View a FREE sample

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. 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.

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

3. 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) Bird flying south for the winter.
(c) The Zemblan King's assasination in January.
(d) Shade meeting Kinbote during the previous winter.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Kinbote fills in a blank space in "Pale Fire" with what name?

2. What did Charles Kinbote do with the cat?

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

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

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 273 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample