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

2. Canto Four contains a metaphor comparing this activity to John Shade's writing process?
(a) Gardening.
(b) Showering.
(c) Bathing.
(d) Shaving.

3. How do the extremists try to prevent King Charles from leaving the country?
(a) They close all the airports.
(b) They outlaw driving.
(c) They search all trains.
(d) They search all caves.

4. Who sets up John Shade's daughter on a blind date?
(a) His secretary.
(b) Dr. Sutton.
(c) His aunt.
(d) Kinbote.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who or what does John Shade claim to see in his near-death experience?

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

3. What is the first metaphor Shade uses to describe himself?

4. Why does young King Charles refuse to consummate his relationship with Fleur?

5. How does John Shade refer to the I.P.H.?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Kinbote's secret?

3. How are Gradus and Kinbote similar?

4. What are two major criticisms John Shade has of his students? How is this ironic?

5. Briefly describe Fleur.

6. What do we learn about King Charles X in Canto Two?

7. What does John Shade ponder in the beginning of Canto Two?

8. What are some early examples of reflection as a theme in the poem "Pale Fire?"

9. Cite an early clue that Charles Kinbote is an unreliable narrator.

10. Briefly describe John Shade's vision of the after-life.

(see the answer keys)

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