The Power of Words

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Vladimir Nabokov's work, "Lolita", focusing on Nabokov's masterful use of the English language in spite of it not being his native tongue. The paper discusses and analyzes the symbols and fictional devices used by the author, the relationship between the reader and the narrator of the book, and Nabokov's discourse technique.

From the Paper:

"As a matter of fact, Humbert lures the reader into believing that repulsiveness he might feel when reading the story is due only to his less poignant perception as compared to that of the author. Humbert already attempts to narrow the circle and entrap the reader into his vision, by making him share his perception. Cunningly, he presents his 'theory', according to which only certain girls between the age of nine and twelve can be regarded as 'nymphets', while the other are plain, normal children. Moreover, this heightened sense of perception and the ability to distinguish a nymphet from a plain girl is given only to an artist or a madman."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Couturier, Maurice. "Nabokov in postmodernist land." CRITIQUE: Studies in Contemporary Fiction 34.n4 (Summer 1993): 247(14)
• Hustis, Harriet. "Time will tell: (re)reading the seductive simulacra of Nabokov's Lolita.(Vladimir Nobokov)(Critical essay)." Studies in American Fiction 35.1 (Spring 2007): 89(23).
• Jenkins, Jennifer L. "Searching high and Lo: unholy quests for Lolita.(Critical essay)." Twentieth Century Literature 51.2 (Summer 2005): 210(34).
• Moore, Anthony R. "How unreliable is Humbert in Lolita?." Journal of Modern Literature 25.1 (Fall 2001): 71(11).
• Nabokov, Vladimir. Lolita. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1970.

More papers on The Power of Words:

• Book Review # 97375 : "The Power of Words in 'Gulliver's Travels'"
• Analytical Essay # 8415 : "The Power of Words"
• Term Paper # 149412 : "The Power of "Beowulf"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: