Judgement Day Pale Fire Journal Judgement Day Pale Fire Journal | Page 44

THE PEOPLE OF THE REGION OF APPALACIA VS. CHARLES KIN-
BOTE
The Case of the Mental Stability of Charles Kinbote
The Court: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Now calling the case of
the People of the Region of Appalachia vs. Charles Kinbote. Would both
sides come forward to introduce themselves and present their opening
statements?
District Attorney: Your honor, ladies and gentlemen, I am here today to
present the evidence against the defendant Charles Kinbote. Through a
thorough examination of past experiences between witnesses and the de-
fendant and convincing documentation, I am certain that I will be able to
prove that Charles Kinbote is a delusional, insane man. This man, who
has been posing as a king of a fictional land due to his own mental insecu-
rities, has let his mind get the better of him, resulting in an obsession and
infatuation with the late poet John Shade. This culminated in a series of
events in which led to the unfortunate stalking of the poet, making his per-
sonal and professional life increasingly difficult. I believe that after I am
done presenting my findings, there will be no doubt as to the true state of
Charles Kinbote’s mind.
Public Defender: Throughout the course of this trial, many unfair claims
will be presented today against my defendant. However, after I present my
evidence in favor of him, you will come to learn that Charles Kinbote is not
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