View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Line 167: There was a time, etc. through Line 171: A great conspiracy.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Who helps King Charles escape?
(a) Odon.
(b) Charles Kinbote.
(c) Oleg.
(d) John Shade.

4. Which of the following most closely describes Kinbote's depiction by university drama students?
(a) A raving lunatic with no perception of reality.
(b) A displaced Zemblan king on the run from assassins.
(c) A brilliant writer and professor who is loyal to his friend John Shade.
(d) A pompus woman-hater with a German accent.

5. The phrase "pale fire" is used in the foreword to describe what?
(a) The snow in New Wye.
(b) Index cards burning in an incinerator.
(c) A squirrel.
(d) The reflection of sunlight off the moon.

Short Answer Questions

1. While he makes his way through the mountains, King Charles stops to spend the night in which of the following places?

2. In the commentary to Line 137, what phrase, used by John Shade in "Pale Fire", does Kinbote claim has no real meaning?

3. How do the extremists learn the King has escaped?

4. What are the two ways to write according to Shade in Canto Three?

5. How do the people of Zembla aid in King Charles' flight?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 290 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample