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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. The first draft of "Pale Fire" was composed on a series of index cards. How many index cards did the author use?

2. According to Kinbote, where did Sybil Shade relocate to upon John Shade's death?

3. Charles Kinbote "mercifully " attributes this name to one professor, perhaps due to his green jacket.

4. Who makes sexual advances on King Charles during the commentary to line 149?

5. Who is the previous inhabitant of Charles Kinbote's house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does John Shade ponder in the beginning of Canto Two?

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

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

5. Briefly describe the IPH.

6. Describe John Shade's daughter.

7. Give examples from the text of reasons that the Extremists are unable to find King Charles once he escapes.

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

9. Briefly describe the supernatural occurrences in Canto Two.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the commentary to Line 171 Gradus, the assassin, is said to have had a job at a glass factory.

Could this be a figment of Charles Kinbote's imagination, and if so why would Kinbote make up such a job for the assassin?

Why do you think Nabokov chose to have Kinbote give Gradus this job?

Why does Nabokov choose to have Kinbote portray Gradus as a failure at this job?

Does it matter if Gradus really had such a job?

Use specific examples from the text to support your claims.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Make a list of names Charles Kinbote attributes to people and places in Zembla.

What do you notice about these names?

What do these names tell us about Kinbote, and potentially about Zembla?

Why do you think Nabokov chose to name these places the way he did?

(see the answer keys)

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