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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the pervading theme of Canto Four?
(a) John Shade's writing process.
(b) John Shade's relationship with Charles Kinbote.
(c) John Shade's time in Zembla.
(d) John Shade's relationship with his family.

2. Which of the following best describes John Shade's daughter?
(a) Introverted, but fascinating.
(b) Attractive, but tormented.
(c) Unattractive and intellegent.
(d) Humble and worried.

3. On what day did John Shade begin composing his poem "Pale Fire?"
(a) July 5th.
(b) July 1st.
(c) We are not told explicitly, only that it is during the summer.
(d) July 4th.

4. According to Kinbote, who was Thurgus the Third's lover?
(a) Maude Shade.
(b) Oleg.
(c) Iris Acht.
(d) Fleur.

5. A fellow-professor calls Charles Kinbote by what nickname?
(a) Gerald Emerald.
(b) The Great Beaver.
(c) Prof. C.
(d) The King of Zembla.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does John Shade's daughter die?

3. Who is King Charles' grandfather?

4. During what time of day does John Shade prefer to write?

5. How does King Charles flee Zembla?

Short Essay Questions

1. What clues do you see that Charles Kinbote may not be what he seems?

2. What events lead to the death of John Shade's daughter?

3. Describe John Shade's writing process.

4. List a few possible motivations for Shade's desire to learn more about the after-life.

5. Briefly describe John and Sybil Shade's relationship.

6. How does John Shade describe himself as a youth in Canto One?

7. Does it surprise you that John Shade renounces religion yet he wants to believe in the after-life?

8. How does Nabokov immediately create an artificial reality in the foreword to the novel Pale Fire?

9. How is Kinbote critical of Professor Hurley?

10. How does John Shade understand life?

(see the answer keys)

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