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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, who gives Gradus a ride?

2. Who does John Shade address in line 246 which ends "...my dear"

3. Why did King Charles' marriage fail?

4. Where does Gradus go to look for the king?

5. According to Kinbote, where did the Queen go when Zembla was invaded?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Kinbote embrace organized religion?

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

8. What does Kinbote write about in the commentary as the poem addresses Hazel's death?

9. When does Kinbote finally merge with King Charles as written in the Commentary?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Kinbote's actions to those of Gradus. How are these two characters similar?

Why do you think Kinbote describes Gradus the way he does in the commentary to Line 171?

Do you find this description ironic? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample