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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Of the following, which has been added to Shade's childhood home?
(a) A garage.
(b) A chimney.
(c) A TV antenna.
(d) Electricity.

3. Queen Blenda's favorite hobby is ______ .
(a) Singing.
(b) Bird watching.
(c) Knitting.
(d) Riding.

4. The phrase "pale fire" is used in the foreword to describe what?
(a) Index cards burning in an incinerator.
(b) A squirrel.
(c) The snow in New Wye.
(d) The reflection of sunlight off the moon.

5. Charles Kinbote wants the reader to see the image of who/what after reading the lines 131-132, "I was the waxing slain by feigned remoteness in the windowpane?"
(a) Himself.
(b) Sybil Shade.
(c) Gradus.
(d) John Shade's blackouts.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the secret group that sends an assassin after King Charles?

2. During what time of day does John Shade prefer to write?

3. How do the extremists try to prevent King Charles from leaving the country?

4. How old was Shade when he wrote Canto Two?

5. Following the death of King Charles' mother, Queen Blenda, a seance is held for what purpose?

Short Essay Questions

1. What events lead to the death of John Shade's daughter?

2. What are two major criticisms John Shade has of his students? How is this ironic?

3. Provide an example or two of the reflection motif found between the commentary to lines 131 and the commentary to lines 162.

4. Name some sports at which Kinbote is proficient.

5. How does John Shade describe himself as a youth in Canto One?

6. Describe John Shade's writing process.

7. Give a brief synopsis of King Charles' escape.

8. List a few possible motivations for Shade's desire to learn more about the after-life.

9. Briefly describe John and Sybil Shade's relationship.

10. What is significant about the bird in Canto One?

(see the answer keys)

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