Nabokov: Lolita

After reading Lolita, all I have is one word: disturbing! The narrator H. Humbert, is what we would refer to today as a pedophile. I could never understand the mind of a pedophile because one would think since they are mature enough to know right from wrong they would fight the temptation of ever allowing themselves to be attracted to young, innocent and helpless children. It’s disgusting! H. Humbert is obsessed with young girls, which he calls “nymphets.” His obsession started with the death of his childhood sweetheart Annabel. From then on, he lusts over nymphets and visually possesses them while they play in the park. Yuck! I could not stand how he continued to pull me in, as a reader, to try and consider his way of thinking. H. Humbert becomes excited when he meets twelve year old Dolores Haze, which he gives the nickname Lolita. Lolita’s mother allowed him to live in their house as a tenant which was a bad move, in my opinion. He refers to Lolita in his diary as Lo, L, Lola, and even Dolly. H. Humbert develops a strong passion for this “nymphet” and spends his days watching her like a stalker. He wants nothing more than to remain in that house with his dear Lolita forever. H. Humbert was a sick and dirty man! I could not believe how he was actually sexually attracted to this young girl. He even had a hard time describing her beauty as his feelings intensified. It’s hard to imagine how millions of people, just like H. Humbert, exist in our society today.

“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.

My sin, my soul.”