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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Charles Kinbote thinks John Shade enjoyed more "creative freedom" during the composition of which Canto?
(a) Canto Four.
(b) Canto Three.
(c) Canto Two.
(d) Canto One.

2. How does King Charles flee Zembla?
(a) By plane.
(b) By car.
(c) On foot.
(d) By boat.

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

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

5. Who or what does John Shade claim to see in his near-death experience?
(a) His daughter.
(b) A fountain.
(c) The Zemblan Mountains.
(d) His Wife.

6. According to Kinbote, where did Sybil Shade relocate to upon John Shade's death?
(a) Quebec.
(b) Zembla.
(c) Russia.
(d) Cedarn,Utana.

7. What was John Shade's "first book" as mentioned in Canto Four?
(a) Dim Gulf.
(b) Hebe's Cup.
(c) Lolita.
(d) Nite Rote.

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

9. Queen Blenda's favorite hobby is ______ .
(a) Knitting.
(b) Bird watching.
(c) Riding.
(d) Singing.

10. In lines 936 and 937 of "Pale Fire" the phrase "I plow Old Zembla's fields" is used by John Shade as part of a metaphor for what literal activity?
(a) His relationship with his wife.
(b) The changing seasons.
(c) Shaving.
(d) Revisiting his Zemblan ancestry .

11. 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 the publisher.
(b) Destroy it.
(c) Send it to him.
(d) Frame it.

12. While he makes his way through the mountains, King Charles stops to spend the night in which of the following places?
(a) In the woods.
(b) In a cave.
(c) In an abandoned car.
(d) On a farm.

13. "Forty ounces of fine sand" describes what in Canto One?
(a) The texture of a windowpane.
(b) A length of time.
(c) A bird's nest.
(d) Snow falling from the sky.

14. Following the death of King Charles' mother, Queen Blenda, a seance is held for what purpose?
(a) So Charles can talk to his mother.
(b) To rid the castle of evil spirits.
(c) To convince Charles to marry Fleur.
(d) To bring Queen Blenda's spirit back to earth.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Canto Two we find that Shade's daughter had been vacationing in what faraway place?

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

3. Kinbote leaves his blinds open to give him a better view of what?

4. What is the name of the secret group that sends an assassin after King Charles?

5. John Shade is skeptical but he wants to believe in what?

(see the answer keys)

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