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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. The first draft of "Pale Fire" was composed on a series of index cards. How many index cards did the author use?
(a) 334.
(b) 4.
(c) 166.
(d) 80.

2. What typically goes on at the I.P.H.?
(a) People gather to discuss the after-life.
(b) People gather to discuss different species of birds.
(c) Poets gather to read their work.
(d) People gather to discuss Zemblan history.

3. The final couplet of "Pale Fire" describes what image?
(a) The Zemblan countryside.
(b) A bird flying into a closed window.
(c) A gardener pushing a wheel barrow.
(d) John Shade's daughter.

4. Who does King Charles finally marry?
(a) Disa, Duchess of Payn.
(b) Fleur.
(c) Otar.
(d) The Countess.

5. When did John Shade begin Canto Two?
(a) July 5th.
(b) On his wedding anniversary.
(c) July 4th.
(d) On the anniversary of his daughter's death.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Kinbote and Shade meet?

2. What does Kinbote want us to believe was the catalyst for John Shade's choice to set "Pale Fire" during the winter months?

3. Who is the previous inhabitant of Charles Kinbote's house?

4. Who does Kinbote blame for not receiving an invitation to John Shade's birthday party?

5. Kinbote notes that the poem alludes to what fictional character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are a few of John Shade's pet peeves?

2. Briefly describe John Shade's vision of the after-life.

3. Briefly describe the IPH.

4. Does it surprise you that John Shade renounces religion yet he wants to believe in the after-life?

5. What do we learn about King Charles X in Canto Two?

6. Cite an early clue that Charles Kinbote is an unreliable narrator.

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

8. Describe John Shade's writing process.

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

10. What do we learn about John Shade's Aunt Maud in Canto One?

(see the answer keys)

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