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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Kinbote criticizes the passage in which Shade alternates between the story of his daughter's death, and what he and his wife are doing at the time. What is his major criticism of this passage?
(a) It is unrealistic.
(b) It is not sincere enough.
(c) It is too drawn out.
(d) It doesn't rhyme.

2. Kinbote claims some people on campus said he resembles which of the following people?
(a) Dr. Sutton.
(b) Gradus.
(c) John Shade.
(d) King Charles.

3. Where does Kinbote find the term "Tangra dust?"
(a) In the dictionary.
(b) Written on a napkin.
(c) In his copy of Timon of Athens.
(d) In an early draft of the poem.

4. King Charles was only able to love the queen______.
(a) While in captivity.
(b) Before they were married.
(c) In his dreams.
(d) After the invasion.

5. What does the name "Kinbote" mean?
(a) A great poet.
(b) A lover of men.
(c) A king's killer.
(d) A true friend.

6. Charles Kinbote writes a brief play about what event?
(a) John Shade's birthday.
(b) The Shades' vacation.
(c) Hazel Shade's seance.
(d) King Charles' escape.

7. Which of the following best describes Gradus' feelings towards his role in the revolution?
(a) He feels trapped.
(b) He enjoys it.
(c) He is reluctant to kill.
(d) He thinks he is saving the world.

8. Kinbote fills in a blank space in "Pale Fire" with what name?
(a) John Shade.
(b) King Charles.
(c) His own.
(d) Zembla.

9. Whose letter reveals the king's location to Gradus?
(a) Odon.
(b) Charles Kinbote.
(c) John Shade.
(d) Sybil Shade.

10. Why did King Charles' marriage fail?
(a) He is a homosexual.
(b) His wife could not bear children.
(c) His wife was captured.
(d) His wife cheated on him.

11. Gradus misinterprets a coded message from headquarters. What does he think his orders are?
(a) To wait in Geneva for a shipment of salmon.
(b) To wait in Geneva for further instructions.
(c) To dress in a red coat and hat.
(d) To follow the king to America.

12. What does Gradus bring Oswin Bretwit?
(a) A valuable coin collection.
(b) Letters between Bretwit's family members.
(c) A map of Zembla.
(d) A newspaper.

13. What is John Shade doing when Charles Kinbote hallucinates that he hears his voice?
(a) Writing Canto Three.
(b) Making love to his wife.
(c) Sleeping.
(d) Golfing.

14. According to Kinbote, who gives Gradus a ride?
(a) Jim Coates.
(b) John Shade.
(c) Sybil Shade.
(d) Gerald Emerald.

15. When a visiting professor requests a picture of King Charles, who goes to get it?
(a) John Shade.
(b) Dr. Sutton.
(c) Gerald Emerald.
(d) Charles Kinbote.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are the Shades' planning to go on vacation?

2. According to Kinbote, what is Gradus doing while John Shade is composing Canto Four?

3. Kinbote rejects the idea that randomness extends into what?

4. According to Kinbote, what does "Ex" stand for?

5. According to Kinbote, where did the Queen go when Zembla was invaded?

(see the answer keys)

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