A controversial classic: Lolita
Recently I have decided to re-read one of my favourite books, Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov. The book in itself has been criticised by many due to its indecent main protagonist, not only an unreliable narrator, but also a middle aged man obsessed with young Dolores, a 12-year old girl whom the protagonist both kidnaps and sexually abuses.
The book itself is beautifully written, despite its problematic subject, being that the narrator is Humbert himself, a paedophile. He cannot narrate the story in an accurate manner, his obsession with Dolores means he is unable to recognise the girl's clear opposition, taking her aggression and distance as ‘playful’ fights.
Dolores as a character is heavily objectified, "And she was mine, she was mine, the key was in my fist, my fist was in my pocket, she was mine." is only one of many examples. In this way, the narrator makes Dolores appear less human and more of a prize. Along with the repetitive nickname ‘Lolita', Humbert successfully strips Dolores of her humanity and identity.
The use of language in the book is one of the many reasons why I enjoyed the novel. The narrator plays with words and makes it so that Humbert doesn't seem as much of a villain as he should be. This deepens the novel's meaning and causes the reader to be forced to look deeper into the story to fully understand it above superficial levels.
Sofia
The book itself is beautifully written, despite its problematic subject, being that the narrator is Humbert himself, a paedophile. He cannot narrate the story in an accurate manner, his obsession with Dolores means he is unable to recognise the girl's clear opposition, taking her aggression and distance as ‘playful’ fights.
Dolores as a character is heavily objectified, "And she was mine, she was mine, the key was in my fist, my fist was in my pocket, she was mine." is only one of many examples. In this way, the narrator makes Dolores appear less human and more of a prize. Along with the repetitive nickname ‘Lolita', Humbert successfully strips Dolores of her humanity and identity.
The use of language in the book is one of the many reasons why I enjoyed the novel. The narrator plays with words and makes it so that Humbert doesn't seem as much of a villain as he should be. This deepens the novel's meaning and causes the reader to be forced to look deeper into the story to fully understand it above superficial levels.
Sofia
