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Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse
Contributed by: Moss
  • 1. Billy Liar, a novel by Keith Waterhouse published in 1959, tells the story of Billy Fisher, a young man living in the working-class town of Stradford, Yorkshire, who is caught in the throes of his own vivid imagination and disillusionment with reality. Billy, a perpetual liar, spends his days daydreaming about a more glamorous life filled with adventure and excitement, often weaving intricate tales to escape the mundane existence that suffocates him. He feels trapped between his controlling family, his bland job as an undertaker's clerk, and his relationships with various women, including his fiancĂ©e, who he is unsure he loves, and an alluring actress with whom he fantasizes about a more fulfilling life. As the plot unfolds, Billy's lies begin to unravel, leading him on a chaotic journey of self-discovery and a confrontation with the realities he has tried to evade. Waterhouse's sharp wit and keen observation of social dynamics vividly capture the ennui of post-war Britain, making Billy's struggles resonate with anyone who has ever felt the urge to escape from their own life. The novel not only entertains with its humor and absurdity but also challenges readers to consider the nature of truth, the complexity of personal identity, and the conflicts that arise from a longing for something greater than one's current circumstances.

    What is the main character's name in 'Billy Liar'?
A) Tommy Jones
B) Billy Fisher
C) Frankie Pagett
D) David Copperfield
  • 2. Where is Billy Fisher from?
A) Yorkshire
B) London
C) Manchester
D) Liverpool
  • 3. Who is Billy's girlfriend?
A) Joan
B) Liz
C) Maggie
D) Alice
  • 4. What type of work does Billy do?
A) Teacher
B) Waiter
C) Clerk
D) Shopkeeper
  • 5. What does Billy invent to impress others?
A) A fictional life
B) A business plan
C) A new product
D) A story about his travels
  • 6. What is a major theme in 'Billy Liar'?
A) Family loyalty
B) Love and betrayal
C) The conflict between reality and fantasy
D) Friendship
  • 7. How does the story end for Billy?
A) Ambiguous
B) He gets caught
C) He leaves town
D) He becomes successful
  • 8. Who is the author of 'Billy Liar'?
A) George Orwell
B) Thomas Hardy
C) J.K. Rowling
D) Keith Waterhouse
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