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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. Charles Kinbote wants the reader to see the image of who/what after reading the lines 131-132, "I was the waxing slain by feigned remoteness in the windowpane?"
(a) Gradus.
(b) Sybil Shade.
(c) Himself.
(d) John Shade's blackouts.

2. John Shade reads an article written by this person about a woman who had a similar vision?
(a) Jim Coats.
(b) Charles Kinbote.
(c) The President of the IPH.
(d) Gerald Emerald.

3. In the commentary to Line 181, Shade produces a book by what author and shows it to Sybil Shade?
(a) William Shakespeare.
(b) Vladimir Nabokov.
(c) Proust.
(d) John Shade.

4. What does Kinbote want us to believe was the catalyst for John Shade's choice to set "Pale Fire" during the winter months?
(a) The Zemblan King's assasination in January.
(b) Shade meeting Kinbote during the previous winter.
(c) Bird flying south for the winter.
(d) The great tragedy Shade has experienced during winter.

5. The first draft of "Pale Fire" was composed on a series of index cards. How many index cards did the author use?
(a) 80.
(b) 334.
(c) 4.
(d) 166.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do the extremists try to prevent King Charles from leaving the country?

2. Which of the following most closely describes Kinbote's depiction by university drama students?

3. Following the death of King Charles' mother, Queen Blenda, a seance is held for what purpose?

4. When did John Shade meet his wife?

5. During the forward Charles Kinbote oddly notes that he is distracted by who/what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about the bird in Canto One?

2. Briefly describe the supernatural occurrences in Canto Two.

3. What do we learn about John Shade's Aunt Maud in Canto One?

4. How are Gradus and Kinbote similar?

5. Briefly describe the IPH.

6. Describe John Shade's writing process.

7. Name some sports at which Kinbote is proficient.

8. How is Kinbote's birthday gift for Shade representative of Kinbote's commentary of the poem?

9. Briefly describe King Alfin the Vague.

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

(see the answer keys)

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