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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. Gradus misinterprets a coded message from headquarters. What does he think his orders are?
(a) To follow the king to America.
(b) To wait in Geneva for a shipment of salmon.
(c) To wait in Geneva for further instructions.
(d) To dress in a red coat and hat.

2. Which of the following best describes the queen's initial feeling about King Charles when they meet after his escape?
(a) Hopeful and respectful.
(b) Angry and frustrated.
(c) Disdainful.
(d) Adoringly devoted.

3. When Gradus attempts to visit Joseph S. Lavender, Lavender asks Gradus if he is a/an ______?
(a) Spy.
(b) Art dealer.
(c) Reporter.
(d) Assassin.

4. According to Kinbote, King Charles lands near which city?
(a) Albany.
(b) Baltimore.
(c) Paris.
(d) Cedarn.

5. Why did King Charles' marriage fail?
(a) His wife was captured.
(b) His wife cheated on him.
(c) He is a homosexual.
(d) His wife could not bear children.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word does Shade claim is incorrect in its meaning?

2. According to Kinbote, what is Gradus doing while John Shade is composing Canto Four?

3. Joseph S. Lavender is a collector of what?

4. At his hotel Gradus receives orders from headquarters telling him to do what?

5. Kinbote recounts a walk with John Shade. On this walk Kinbote unsuccessfully tries to pry from Shade information about which of the following topics?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Kinbote portray Hazel, and the scene in the barn?

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

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

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

6. Why does Kinbote insist on meeting Shade on July 19th?

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

8. Why does Kinbote embrace organized religion?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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