silkekranz

** spoiler alert ** Humbert Humbert never consummated his love for Annabel Leigh as a child and is therefore obsessed by nymphets (girls 9-13). He moves from Paris to New England to write and ends up living with Charlotte Haze and her daughter Dolores (Lolita) who is 12. He's smitten. Humbert ends up marrying Charlotte (she loves him and wants him to love her or leave) who dies suddenly when she discovers Humbert secret in his diary and flees. Humbert gets Lolita from summer camp and roams the country with her (sexual affair ensues) while being pursued by someone who turns out to be Lolita's drama teacher she also is having an affair with. Lolita finally escapes with him (Clare Quilty). In the end, Clare won't commit to Lolita alone so she leaves him and winds up married and pregnant to a nice but dull fellow. HH gives them the money and property that is rightfully theres, begging Lolita to come be with him once more - she refuses. Humbert kills Quilty and dies awaiting trial. Themes: tragedy, the effects of a first love, word play, taboo sexual relations, guilt of robbing childhood away Interesting that some critics say Lolita took advantage of Humbert and not the other way around. This story is extremely engaging and haunting. Very ironic and there are almost more likable qualities in Humbert than Lolita, though that doesn't excuse his behavior. The idea that this stems from his childhood love and loss is interesting (or an excuse - HH is not exactly trustworthy). Tastefully done as far as the sex (nothing blatant) and I loved the word play. Difficult to interpret morally.

2022-11-14 16:45