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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the name of the secret group that sends an assassin after King Charles?

3. John Shade gives a lecture on what in Canto Three?

4. How does King Charles get out of the room where he is being held prisoner without being detected?

5. How does King Charles flee Zembla?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe King Alfin the Vague.

2. Give a brief synopsis of King Charles' escape.

3. How are Gradus and Kinbote similar?

4. How does John Shade describe himself as a youth in Canto One?

5. Give some examples of translation as a theme in Canto One.

6. What clues do you see that Charles Kinbote may not be what he seems?

7. How is Kinbote critical of Professor Hurley?

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

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

10. What was the original use of the secret passageway in the Zemblan castle? Where does it lead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Reflection is a major motif of the fictional poem "Pale Fire," and in the novel's commentary and foreword.

Give specific examples of Nabokov's use of reflection as it pertains to looking back at past events?

How does Nabokov use reflection in terms of mirror images or opposites?

How do these two interpretations of reflection work together in Shade's writing, and Kinbote's commentary?

Essay Topic 2

In the foreword, Kinbote suggests that the novel be read in a unique way.

How does he feel the novel should be read?

Why does he think it should be read this way?

What are your immediate thoughts on the narrator after he suggests this?

Why do you think Nabokov chooses to have Kinbote make this suggestion?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the way Nabokov uses flashbacks in the novel Pale Fire. How many instances are there? How do flashbacks help propel the plot? How would this story have been different if it were written in present tense?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample