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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. According to Kinbote, what does "Ex" stand for?

2. Kinbote rejects the idea that randomness extends into what?

3. Gradus misinterprets a coded message from headquarters. What does he think his orders are?

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

5. Which of the following adjectives fits Kinbote's description of the Russians as they search the castle?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Disa mirror in Kinbote's life?

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

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

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

5. What is significant about the way Shade relates his name to the word "ombre" a French word that connotes shadows and darkness?

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

7. How does Gradus learn the location of the king?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the assonance and consonance in the poem "Pale Fire." How does Nabokov use these literary tools throughout the poem?

Essay Topic 2

On pages 100-107 in the commentary on line 71: Parents, Kinbote describes King Alfin the Vague.

Compare what is known of Kinbote to this point in the story with his portrayal of King Alfin.

What function or functions does King Alfin serve?

Essay Topic 3

Cite specific examples of supernatural events in the novel Pale Fire.

How does Nabokov incorporate both real and phony supernatural events (such as fake seances) into the novel?

Why do you think he chooses to handle these events in such a manner?

What does this accomplish?

(see the answer keys)

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