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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Line 287: humming as you pack through Line 347, old barn.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Of the following, what do John Shade and the assassin have in common?
(a) They both had aunts who were put in an asylum.
(b) They both were orphaned.
(c) They were both Zemblan kings.
(d) They were both born in Russia.

2. On what day did John Shade begin composing his poem "Pale Fire?"
(a) July 4th.
(b) We are not told explicitly, only that it is during the summer.
(c) July 5th.
(d) July 1st.

3. How does John Shade's daughter die?
(a) She steps in front of a train.
(b) She freezes to death in a field.
(c) She poisons herself.
(d) She drowns.

4. Whose spirit supposedly haunts the barn?
(a) Hazel Shade.
(b) The farmer who used to sleep there.
(c) King Alfin the Vague.
(d) King Charles.

5. Which of the following best describes John Shade's idea of life on earth?
(a) Colorful and bright.
(b) Dark and painful.
(c) Meaningless and random.
(d) Sad and cold.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do the Shade's spend the evening of their daughter's blind date?

2. How do the people of Zembla aid in King Charles' flight?

3. What does Kinbote give John Shade for his birthday?

4. What book does King Charles find on his way out of the castle?

5. Charles Kinbote assumes John Shade wanted to write a great deal more about Zembla, but did not. Who or what does Kinbote attribute this too?

(see the answer key)

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