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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Line 109: iridule through Line 130: I never bounced a ball or swung a bat.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Charles Kinbote gave John Shade a detailed drawing of King Charles' castle; what does he want John Shade's wife to do with the picture?
(a) Send it to him.
(b) Frame it.
(c) Destroy it.
(d) Send it to the publisher.

2. 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.

3. What did Charles Kinbote do with the cat?
(a) He wrote a poem about it.
(b) He gave it to the maid.
(c) He accidentally poisoned it.
(d) He gave it to John Shade as a birthday gift.

4. Which of the following best describes a recurring theme in the first Canto?
(a) Color.
(b) Reflection.
(c) Change.
(d) Abandonment.

5. How many lines are in Canto Four?
(a) 165 lines.
(b) 166 lines.
(c) 334 lines.
(d) 999 lines.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Which of the following best describes John Shade's daughter?

3. What happened to Shade's parents when he was a boy?

4. Which of the following best describes King Alfin the Vague?

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

(see the answer key)

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