View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Oswin Bretwit kicks out Gradus when he realizes Gradus is not a Royalist. What does Bretwit assume is Gradus' profession?
(a) An assassin.
(b) A reporter.
(c) A spy.
(d) A Marxist recruiter.

2. According to Kinbote Russians search for what Zemblan treasure?
(a) The Crown Jewels.
(b) The crown of King Alfin the Vague.
(c) A first printing of Timon of Athens.
(d) The journal of King Charles.

3. What message did Gradus incorrectly give headquarters?
(a) He knows the king's location.
(b) He has received the salmon.
(c) He does not know the king's location.
(d) He is on the way to America.

4. According to Kinbote what is the only real name used in the poem, "Pale Fire?"
(a) Starover Blue.
(b) Gradus.
(c) Lolita.
(d) Hazel.

5. According to Kinbote, who gives Gradus a ride?
(a) Gerald Emerald.
(b) Sybil Shade.
(c) John Shade.
(d) Jim Coates.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose spirit supposedly haunts the barn?

2. What is one major point Kinbote and Shade disagree on?

3. When Gradus attempts to visit Joseph S. Lavender, Lavender asks Gradus if he is a/an ______?

4. Kinbote describes Russian soldiers giving what to Zemblan children?

5. According to Kinbote, King Charles lands near which city?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Disa mirror in Kinbote's life?

2. How does Kinbote portray Hazel, and the scene in the barn?

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

4. What is odd about the way Kinbote tells the story of Gradus?

5. Briefly recount Gradus' experience on the day he killed Shade, as told by Kinbote.

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

7. What is significant about the way Shade relates his name to the word "ombre" a French word that connotes shadows and darkness?

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

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

10. How does Kinbote respond when a professor tells him he looks like King Charles? Why might he react that way?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 706 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample