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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. When a visiting professor requests a picture of King Charles, who goes to get it?

2. Who tells Gradus Disa's estate is empty?

3. According to Kinbote what is the only real name used in the poem, "Pale Fire?"

4. Kinbote describes Russian soldiers giving what to Zemblan children?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why does Kinbote embrace organized religion?

6. What does Kinbote relate to the death of Hazel?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The first lines of the poem "Pale Fire" portrays a bird flying into a window. Charles Kinbote interprets these lines as they may relate to John Shade's experience.

How is Charles Kinbote like a bird who flies into a window?

Essay Topic 2

Using specific examples from the book, describe how Nabokov uses color and climate to describe the setting and characters in Pale Fire, both in the poem and in the commentary.

Do you think this is effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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