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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Lines 597-608: the thoughts we should roll-call, etc. through Line 680: Lolita.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Kinbote want us to believe was the catalyst for John Shade's choice to set "Pale Fire" during the winter months?
(a) The great tragedy Shade has experienced during winter.
(b) Shade meeting Kinbote during the previous winter.
(c) The Zemblan King's assasination in January.
(d) Bird flying south for the winter.

2. Kinbote recounts a walk with John Shade. On this walk Kinbote unsuccessfully tries to pry from Shade information about which of the following topics?
(a) Shade's poem.
(b) Zembla.
(c) Shade's daughter.
(d) Plants and animals.

3. Gradus visits Oswin Bretwit in order to find information on King Charles' location. What is Oswin Bretwit's profession?
(a) A member of the Shadows.
(b) A reporter.
(c) A Zemblan diplomat.
(d) A spy.

4. What is the assassin's real name?
(a) Jack Degree.
(b) Jakob Gradus.
(c) Jake Ravus.
(d) Jacques de Gray.

5. What does Gradus bring Oswin Bretwit?
(a) A map of Zembla.
(b) Letters between Bretwit's family members.
(c) A valuable coin collection.
(d) A newspaper.

Short Answer Questions

1. Charles Kinbote assumes John Shade wanted to write a great deal more about Zembla, but did not. Who or what does Kinbote attribute this too?

2. According to Kinbote what is the only real name used in the poem, "Pale Fire?"

3. Oswin Bretwit kicks out Gradus when he realizes Gradus is not a Royalist. What does Bretwit assume is Gradus' profession?

4. John Shade says, "There's nothing wrong with shedding a dismal past to substitute pleasing _________?"

5. Charles Kinbote thinks John Shade enjoyed more "creative freedom" during the composition of which Canto?

(see the answer key)

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