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

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

3. Once King Charles is outside his room he must escape from what part of the castle?
(a) The basement.
(b) The tower.
(c) The theater.
(d) The kitchen.

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

5. How do the Shade's spend the evening of their daughter's blind date?
(a) Watching television.
(b) Writing poems.
(c) Studying birds.
(d) Reading.

Short Answer Questions

1. Kinbote is steadfast in his assertion that "Pale Fire" was intended to be how many lines long?

2. What happened to Shade's parents when he was a boy?

3. What was John Shade's "first book" as mentioned in Canto Four?

4. Which of the following best describes John Shade's daughter?

5. Which of the following best describes the pervading theme of Canto Four?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Kinbote characterize his relationship with John Shade?

7. Briefly describe Fleur.

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

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

10. Provide an example or two of the reflection motif found between the commentary to lines 131 and the commentary to lines 162.

(see the answer keys)

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