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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Line 287: humming as you pack through Line 347, old barn.

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

2. John Shade criticizes his students for which of the following transgressions?
(a) Writing "irony" in the margins of their books.
(b) Reading stupidly.
(c) Talking about Zembla.
(d) Using cliches.

3. According to Kinbote, who was Thurgus the Third's lover?
(a) Fleur.
(b) Oleg.
(c) Iris Acht.
(d) Maude Shade.

4. Who is the previous inhabitant of Charles Kinbote's house?
(a) Dr. Sutton.
(b) Wordsmith University's gardener.
(c) The King of Zembla.
(d) Judge Goldsmith.

5. In Canto Two we find that Shade's daughter had been vacationing in what faraway place?
(a) Quebec.
(b) France.
(c) New Wye.
(d) Zembla.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does King Charles get out of the room where he is being held prisoner without being detected?

2. What does Charles Kinbote do when he finds out where the Shades' are planning to go on vacation?

3. Charles Kinbote writes a brief play about what event?

4. What does Kinbote do during John Shade's birthday party?

5. Kinbote notes that the poem alludes to what fictional character?

(see the answer key)

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