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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. In this section (Lines 597-608), Charles Kinbote spies on a conversation between John Shade and whom?
(a) Sybil Shade.
(b) Gradus.
(c) Dr. Sutton.
(d) Mrs. Hurley.

2. Shade mentions his wife translating poems into what language?
(a) French.
(b) English.
(c) Zemblan.
(d) Russian.

3. Kinbote notes that the poem alludes to what fictional character?
(a) King Charles.
(b) Lolita.
(c) Sherlock Holmes.
(d) Shakespeare's Henry VIII.

4. Charles Kinbote thinks the reference to "that crystal land" in line 12 refers to what place?
(a) Quebec.
(b) Russia.
(c) New Wye.
(d) Zembla.

5. Of the following, what do John Shade and the assassin have in common?
(a) They both had aunts who were put in an asylum.
(b) They both were orphaned.
(c) They were both Zemblan kings.
(d) They were both born in Russia.

Short Answer Questions

1. On what day did John Shade begin composing his poem "Pale Fire?"

2. 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?

3. Who is the previous inhabitant of Charles Kinbote's house?

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

5. What does Kinbote want us to believe was the catalyst for John Shade's choice to set "Pale Fire" during the winter months?

(see the answer key)

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