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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 message did Gradus incorrectly give headquarters?
(a) He does not know the king's location.
(b) He has received the salmon.
(c) He knows the king's location.
(d) He is on the way to America.

2. On what date does John Shade compose lines 797-809?
(a) July 1st.
(b) July 4th.
(c) July 9th.
(d) July 19th.

3. What word does Shade claim is incorrect in its meaning?
(a) Pail.
(b) Obriols.
(c) Colored.
(d) Waxwings.

4. King Charles was only able to love the queen______.
(a) In his dreams.
(b) After the invasion.
(c) While in captivity.
(d) Before they were married.

5. In this section (Lines 597-608), Charles Kinbote spies on a conversation between John Shade and whom?
(a) Sybil Shade.
(b) Dr. Sutton.
(c) Mrs. Hurley.
(d) Gradus.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who circulated a letter objecting to Charles Kinbote editing "Pale Fire?"

2. Who does John Shade address in line 246 which ends "...my dear"

3. Kinbote claims the Russians are good at what sport?

4. According to Kinbote, who gives Gradus a ride?

5. Who does Kinbote blame for taking John Shade away from religion?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kinbote write about in the commentary as the poem addresses Hazel's death?

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

3. How does Kinbote respond when a professor tells him he looks like King Charles? Why might he react that way?

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

5. Comment on a few similarities between Charles Kinbote and King Charles.

6. What do you think of Kinbote's disregard for psychoanalysis?

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

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

9. What does Kinbote think about John Shade's lack of religion?

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

(see the answer keys)

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