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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Commentary, Lines 1-4: I was the shadow of the waxwing slain, etc. through Line 70: the new TV.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. John Shade recites his poetry to one person prior to its publication. Who is that person?
(a) Charles Kinbote.
(b) Dr. Sutton.
(c) His wife.
(d) The king of Zembla.

2. Which of the following is not among John Shade's pet peeves?
(a) Super market music.
(b) Jazz.
(c) Editors.
(d) Abstract art.

3. Who or what does John Shade claim to see in his near-death experience?
(a) The Zemblan Mountains.
(b) A fountain.
(c) His Wife.
(d) His daughter.

4. 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?
(a) The Shadeans.
(b) Communists.
(c) Poor translation from Zemblan to English.
(d) John Shade's wife.

5. When did John Shade meet his wife?
(a) Their senior year of high school.
(b) During the depression.
(c) After his parents' funeral.
(d) 40 years ago.

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. John Shade vows to further explore what in Canto Two?

3. What is the assassin's real name?

4. What was John Shade's "first book" as mentioned in Canto Four?

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

(see the answer key)

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