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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Lines 1-4: I was the shadow of the waxwing slain, etc. through Line 70: the new TV.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Kinbote leaves his blinds open to give him a better view of what?
(a) The library.
(b) The Shade's living room.
(c) Garden Avenue.
(d) The gardener.

2. How do the Shade's spend the evening of their daughter's blind date?
(a) Studying birds.
(b) Reading.
(c) Writing poems.
(d) Watching television.

3. How does John Shade understand his life?
(a) Through the love of his daughter.
(b) Through religion.
(c) Through his wife's love.
(d) Through his poetry.

4. Which of the following is not among John Shade's pet peeves?
(a) Super market music.
(b) Editors.
(c) Jazz.
(d) Abstract art.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. The phrase "pale fire" is used in the foreword to describe what?

2. Which best describes Kinbote's reason for rejecting the offer by the first potential publisher of "Pale Fire"?

3. Which of the following best describes John Shade's idea of life on earth?

4. Who raises John Shade during his childhood?

5. What is the first metaphor Shade uses to describe himself?

(see the answer key)

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