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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. According to Kinbote Russians search for what Zemblan treasure?
(a) The Crown Jewels.
(b) A first printing of Timon of Athens.
(c) The journal of King Charles.
(d) The crown of King Alfin the Vague.

2. What does the name "Kinbote" mean?
(a) A king's killer.
(b) A true friend.
(c) A great poet.
(d) A lover of men.

3. Charles Kinbote writes a brief play about what event?
(a) Hazel Shade's seance.
(b) The Shades' vacation.
(c) King Charles' escape.
(d) John Shade's birthday.

4. Why does Kinbote think Russians are gloomy?
(a) Too much vodka.
(b) The weather.
(c) Enforced nationalism.
(d) The death of King Charles.

5. Shade refers to a book by which of the following authors in Line 384?
(a) Faust.
(b) Pope.
(c) Shakespeare.
(d) Frost.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gradus bring Oswin Bretwit?

2. According to Kinbote, what is the third method of composing poetry?

3. John Shade says, "There's nothing wrong with shedding a dismal past to substitute pleasing _________?"

4. What does Charles Kinbote do when he finds out where the Shades' are planning to go on vacation?

5. Which of the following best describes King Charles' marriage?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly summarize the conversation Kinbote overhears between Shade and Mrs. Hurley, and its relevance to "Pale Fire."

2. Give a brief account of the events involving Disa and King Charles after the revolution.

3. What is ironic about Kinbote criticizing Shade for using a title from another work for one of his own books?

4. What is odd about the way Kinbote tells the story of Gradus?

5. When does Kinbote finally merge with King Charles as written in the Commentary?

6. What happens when Gradus and his commanders try to send coded messages?

7. How does Kinbote describe the Russian guards who are after the Zemblan Crown Jewels?

8. Briefly recount Gradus' experience on the day he killed Shade, as told by Kinbote.

9. What does Kinbote do when he runs into Shade on the way to the doctor's office?

10. What does Kinbote relate to the death of Hazel?

(see the answer keys)

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