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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. King Charles was only able to love the queen______.

3. Who does Kinbote blame for taking John Shade away from religion?

4. Which of the following best describes Gradus' feelings towards his role in the revolution?

5. Kinbote is what religion?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kinbote summarize Canto Four?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Kinbote write about in the commentary as the poem addresses Hazel's death?

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

9. What happens when Gradus and his commanders try to send coded messages?

10. How does Kinbote describe the Russian guards who are after the Zemblan Crown Jewels?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the foreword, Kinbote suggests that the novel be read in a unique way.

How does he feel the novel should be read?

Why does he think it should be read this way?

What are your immediate thoughts on the narrator after he suggests this?

Why do you think Nabokov chooses to have Kinbote make this suggestion?

Essay Topic 2

Reflection is a major motif of the fictional poem "Pale Fire," and in the novel's commentary and foreword.

Give specific examples of Nabokov's use of reflection as it pertains to looking back at past events?

How does Nabokov use reflection in terms of mirror images or opposites?

How do these two interpretations of reflection work together in Shade's writing, and Kinbote's commentary?

Essay Topic 3

On pages 100-107 in the commentary on line 71: Parents, Kinbote describes King Alfin the Vague.

Compare what is known of Kinbote to this point in the story with his portrayal of King Alfin.

What function or functions does King Alfin serve?

(see the answer keys)

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