Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita essays

Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita essays In Vladimir Nabokovs novel Lolita, the use of rhetorical language is prevalent. Nabokov writes a novel about a literate European man, Humbert, and his journey through life in search of nymphets. Humbert defines nymphets as maidens who, between the ages of nine and fourteen reveal their true nature which is nymphic and demoniac, and not human (Nabokov 16). When the novel was written and in this day and age, any man or women involved in affairs with young children are considered pedophiles. How does Nabokov rationalize the actions of Humbert who deliberately indulges himself in relationships with young girls? The use of such language allows Humbert to charm the audience into sympathetically justifying his actions throughout the novel. The language that is used in the novel is extremely sophisticated which instantly lets the reader know the literate and educated intelligence Humbert obtains. In the beginning he explains his childhood and where he received his education. During his early years Humbert meets Annabel, his first love. Humbert explains, Annabel was no nymphet to me; I was her equal, a faunlet in my own right, on that same enchanted island of time (Nabokov 18). It was his love for Annabel that left Humbert scarred after her tragic death. It leaves Humbert emotionally wounded and initiates his infatuation and love for nymphets. In the Introduction, Nabokov writes Humberts desires are those of a poet as well as a pervert, and not surprisingly, since they reflect, darkly, in a crooked enough mirror the artistic desires of his creator (Nabokov liii). Although he contains a grotesque like behavior, he expresses his love and appreciation for a delicate young girl-child. But let us be prim and civilized. Humb ert Humbert tried hard to be good. Really and truly he did. He had the utmost respect for ordinary children, with their purity and vulnerability, and under no circumstances would he hav...