Analysis Of Lolita

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Name: Joy Chow

Major Works Data Sheet: Lolita

Title of the Work: Lolita
Author: Ladimar Nabokov
Date of Publication: 1997 (1955)
Genre: Novel
Historical information about the Setting:
There are numerous settings in the novel, varying from cities in France to towns in America. During the 1940s and 1950s time period, everyone, particularly Europe and America, was in a period of unorganization, chaos, and uncertainty because of WWII. Europe, specifically, was in a limbo after the war and all its destruction. America, however, was a different story because it wasn’t as close to the central source of turmoil and trouble. There was an entire ocean separating America from Europe, so the detrimental aftereffects of the war weren’t as noticeable in the U.S. as they were in places such as France. These cultural and geographical differences are clearly noted through the novel as the two settings definitively contrast one another, presenting a more separated view of cosmopolitan customs.

Narrative techniques:
Journalistic Style: Lolita is narrated in primarily a journalistic style. Humbert makes it clear that he is narrating to a specific audience. His accounts seem to be presented as journal entries. Structurally speaking, Humbert’s memories are also recounted in a very irregular pattern. For instance, the chapters in the novel are always very sudden and short, ending in abrupt parts.
Risky Theme: The topic of Lolita remains one of the most disputable novels in Literature. Though the sexual scenes are not very explicit, the implications of the content can be very disturbing. Especially since the readers are practically lured into Humbert’s eloquently-worded account that all of his actions were justified by his genuine love for Lolita...

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...ing all around you.” (37) Instead of discussing character or behavior, Humbert always gravitates towards describing the physical qualities of women in the novel. Reflecting a societal custom, Nabakov reduces womens’ roles in the eyes of men. The girl characters in the novel become fantasies and almost commodities.

Language: Though the subject of the novel is risky, Nabokov skillfully uses very eloquent language to add sophistication to the plot. Even though the content is disturbing, the linguistic usage of words transforms the dark matter into almost an enchanting story. Through his novel, Nabokov demonstrates how powerful language can be. In the novel, the way Humbert phrases his thoughts distracts, changes, enchants, and confuses readers. We almost fall into the trap and believe in Humbert’s side because of his stunning ability to utilize puns and allusions.

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