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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. Where do the Shade's travel to take their minds off their daughter's death?
(a) Zembla.
(b) France.
(c) Italy.
(d) New Wye.

2. John Shade recites his poetry to one person prior to its publication. Who is that person?
(a) Dr. Sutton.
(b) Charles Kinbote.
(c) The king of Zembla.
(d) His wife.

3. While he makes his way through the mountains, King Charles stops to spend the night in which of the following places?
(a) In the woods.
(b) In a cave.
(c) On a farm.
(d) In an abandoned car.

4. Charles Kinbote criticizes an article written by Professor Hurley for what reason?
(a) It does not mention Zembla.
(b) The article does not mention "Pale Fire."
(c) The article doesn't mention Kinbote and Shade's friendship.
(d) The article is critical of John Shade.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What typically goes on at the I.P.H.?

2. Of the following, who is not mentioned in the first Canto?

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

4. Which of the following best describes King Alfin the Vague?

5. Charles Kinbote thinks the reference to "that crystal land" in line 12 refers to what place?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Kinbote's secret?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What are a few of John Shade's pet peeves?

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

(see the answer keys)

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