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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Pale Fire, Canto Three.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When did John Shade meet his wife?
(a) During the depression.
(b) 40 years ago.
(c) After his parents' funeral.
(d) Their senior year of high school.

2. What is the first metaphor Shade uses to describe himself?
(a) A snowflake falling to the ground.
(b) A bird flying into a window.
(c) A pheasant's feet.
(d) A great bear.

3. Kinbote is steadfast in his assertion that "Pale Fire" was intended to be how many lines long?
(a) 166.
(b) 334.
(c) 999.
(d) 1000.

4. A fellow-professor calls Charles Kinbote by what nickname?
(a) The Great Beaver.
(b) Prof. C.
(c) The King of Zembla.
(d) Gerald Emerald.

5. How old was Shade when he wrote Canto Two?
(a) We are never told exactly, only that he is "a youth".
(b) 80.
(c) 40.
(d) 61.

Short Answer Questions

1. John Shade's aunt is best described as what?

2. Which of the following best describes a recurring theme in the first Canto?

3. Which pair best describe the prominent motifs of the first Canto?

4. Who raises John Shade during his childhood?

5. The first draft of "Pale Fire" was composed on a series of index cards. How many index cards did the author use?

(see the answer key)

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