“Lolita” is a novel written by Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov in 1955.
The novel tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames Lolita.
Controversial subject matter
The novel has courted controversy since its publication due to its portrayal of a man’s obsession with a prepubescent girl.
Nabokov’s use of language and imagery
The language and imagery used in “Lolita” are both beautiful and disturbing, as Nabokov paints a vivid picture of Humbert’s obsession with Lolita.
The unreliable narrator
Humbert is an unreliable narrator, as he manipulates the reader’s perception of the events that unfold in the novel.
Themes of desire and obsession
“Lolita” explores themes of desire, obsession, and the destructive nature of lust.
Literary significance
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Lolita” is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century literature due to Nabokov’s masterful storytelling and intricate wordplay.
Final thoughts
Overall, “Lolita” is a complex and challenging novel that continues to captivate and provoke readers to this day. Nabokov’s exploration of lust, obsession, and the darker aspects of human nature make “Lolita” a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature.