Eva's Literary Parlour
Eva's Literary Parlour
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Why is Lolita so hard to read?
I hope everyone is doing well! Thank you so much for sticking with me after such a long time without posting. It was a tough session, but I survived. This video took forever to make because I thought the themes were too heavy to treat them lightly. I had to give them the importance they deserved.
Bibliography and works cited:
-Connolly, Julian W. A Reader’s Guide to Nabokov’s Lolita. Academic Studies Press, 2009.
-Friedan, Betty. The Feminine Mystique, Norton, 2001.
-Loftus, Jamie. The Lolita Podcast, Spotify.
-Nabokov, Vladimir. Lolita. Vintage International, 1997.
- Thomières, Daniel. “Cherchez La Femme: Who Really Was Annabel Leigh?” Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 23, no. 1, 1999, pp. 165-71. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3831825. Accessed 30 June 2024.
music credits:
Impromptu in Blue by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100456
Artist: incompetech.com/
There's Probably No Time by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: chriszabriskie.com/uvp/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Last Kiss Goodnight by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100611
Artist: incompetech.com/
Переглядів: 3 959

Відео

The Secret History: a modernist masterpiece?
Переглядів 1,4 тис.10 місяців тому
After taking a course about American modernism, my perspective on some novels has changed. When you study some works, like Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway, through modernist lenses, they make a lot of sense. Thanks to this class, I became obsessed with T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land and started to see many thematic similarities between Donna Tartt's The Secret History and Eliot's poem. For this reas...
Top 10 books of 2023
Переглядів 1 тис.10 місяців тому
Hi everyone! Here are my top ten books of 2023. I forgot to mention that I did not include the Shakespeare plays I read this year because I love Shakespeare, and they would have taken at least three places from the top ten. Timecodes 0:00 - intro 2:21 - 10 4:32 - 9 5:59 - 8 8:10 - 7 10:38 - 6 12:23 - 5 14:19 - 4 15:53 - 3 17:51 - 2 19:34 -1 Books, authors, tv shows, and movies mentioned in this...
The Curse of Macbeth | The Dark Themes and History of the Scottish Play
Переглядів 94611 місяців тому
Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. Sorry to be MIA, but I've been very busy with school and other stuff (it's a long story). I also wanted to dedicate some time to this video essay about Macbeth. I admit the content is a bit chaotic, but I have separated it by time stamps so you can watch whatever part interests you. In this video, I talk about the dark history, themes, and curse of Macbet...
The Anima Sola or the Lone Soul | a Venezuelan storytime | Halloween series 2023
Переглядів 720Рік тому
Hi everyone! I'm sorry that it took me so long to upload this video. My midterm exams and some health issues got in the way. I've been changing my medications in the past months, but nothing seems to work well. I'm struggling to organize myself and focus on priorities. In this video, I share another legend and some family stories with you. I hope you enjoy it! Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - the ...
El Silbon: a horror legend from Venezuela | Halloween 2023
Переглядів 726Рік тому
This is the legend of el Silbón or the Whistler, a wandering soul that haunts the Venezuelan plains in search of traitors, drunkards, ungrateful sons, and womanizers to scare them. I included the story of Juan Hilario as well as my family's encounters. Enjoy! Timecodes 0:00 - Introduction 4:55 - Origin Story 6:26 - Encounters (Juan Hilario) 7:53 - My family's encounters Music credits: Journey i...
10 Gothic short stories to read on Halloween
Переглядів 1,2 тис.Рік тому
Hi, everyone! Here are ten of my favourite gothic short stories. I love reading some of these on Halloween. I thought it would be fun to share them with you since not everyone has the time to read a novel in one day. Books and stories mentioned in this video: -"Snow, Glass, Apples." Neil Gaiman, Smoke and Mirrors -The Adventure of the German Student- Washington Irving. gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06...
What do I read as an English literature student | autumn 2023
Переглядів 681Рік тому
In this video, I show you what I'm reading for this university session and how much I'm expected to read. I also talk about my educational background in the Canadian school system. Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - History of English 4:05 - American Literature 7:37 - British Literature 13:45 - How much do I have to read? 14:30 - French 14:53 - What I'm reading for pleasure
Gothic themes, byronism, and queerness in Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo
Переглядів 641Рік тому
Let's talk about Edmond Dantès! I tried to keep this video free of spoilers, but I'm terrible at it. You've been warned. Note: In the 19th century, the term 'orientalism' referred to ancient asian cultures. Since there are different asian cultures, I should have specified that in The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond adopts Greek and Arabian customs. Timecodes 0:00 - intro 0:18 - impressions 3:57 -...
Wuthering Heights is not a romance but a tale of lust, revenge...and sex in the moors?
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Рік тому
Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite novels, but I never got the chance to reread it after the first time. I finally did it last week. Now I have some unpopular opinions. I wonder if I'm alone regarding this novel. Fun fact: I always say that the Brontës taught me English because my English literature journey and my love for English classics began with their novels. They inspired me to purs...
mid-year gothic books wrap up | 2023
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
Hello! I hope you are having a lovely summer. Here are all the gothic novels I have read this year so far. I've been wanting to chat about these books for a while.
What is Fantasy Fiction? | History and Conventions of the Genre
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
In this video, I summarize the history of fantasy, discuss its conventions, and explain the difference between traditional and high fantasy. I also talk about how fantasy influences my life. Enjoy! Sources: -Young, Terrell et al. Children's Literature. Briefly, Pearson Education. Kindle Edition. -Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New World Library, 2008. -Moore, Robert and Dougl...
The Byronic Hero | Lord Byron's Legacy
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Let's talk about Byron, Shelley, Polidori, and-why not?-Satan as well! In this video, I try to explain what is a Byronic hero and how did the archetype originate. Famous Byronic heroes in classic literature: -Satan | John Milton's Paradise Lost -Edward Rochester | Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre -Heathcliff | Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights Pop culture Byronic heroes: -Dracula | Castlevania -Kylo...
Homosexuality and Gothic Fiction in the Victorian Era
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Since you requested more video essays, here's another one! In this video, I discuss two of my favourite novels: The Picture of Dorian Gray and Carmilla. I also talk about how Victorian society repressed sexuality, how 19th-century regulations and beliefs affected homosexuals, and how authors used Gothic fiction to criticize society. Please keep in mind that Victorians tended to fetishize or des...
What Are Trashy Romances? | A brief history of the stigmatization of women's fiction
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
What Are Trashy Romances? | A brief history of the stigmatization of women's fiction
What is a tragic hero? | Tragic Heroes versus Superheroes
Переглядів 711Рік тому
What is a tragic hero? | Tragic Heroes versus Superheroes
How to study Shakespeare efficiently | step by step process
Переглядів 756Рік тому
How to study Shakespeare efficiently | step by step process
March Reading Wrap up | 2023
Переглядів 247Рік тому
March Reading Wrap up | 2023
Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber | feminist and sexuality themes explained
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber | feminist and sexuality themes explained
Magical Realism | Explained from a Venezuelan perspective
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Рік тому
Magical Realism | Explained from a Venezuelan perspective
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner | Gothic Fiction Series
Переглядів 3,4 тис.Рік тому
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner | Gothic Fiction Series
Top 5 Historical Romance Novels for Valentine's Day | 2023
Переглядів 494Рік тому
Top 5 Historical Romance Novels for Valentine's Day | 2023
What is Gothic Fiction?
Переглядів 20 тис.Рік тому
What is Gothic Fiction?
Book Haul | Books I Want to Read in 2023
Переглядів 418Рік тому
Book Haul | Books I Want to Read in 2023
My Top 10 Books of 2022 | Favourite Novels
Переглядів 702Рік тому
My Top 10 Books of 2022 | Favourite Novels
BOOKTUBE NEWBIE TAG | 2022
Переглядів 734Рік тому
BOOKTUBE NEWBIE TAG | 2022

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @yazanasad7811
    @yazanasad7811 9 днів тому

    Interesting you're seeing orientalism here as a positive thing. Adopts less forgiving route would typically mean seeing those cultures in a negative light, but, as you say, it seems like revenge and honour are linked in your reading. You can read this novel as colonial propaganda (France was 'exploring' at the time) Count of monte cristo as a superhero. I imagine the slavery issue is because there is power in form as opposed to content (I didnt mind myself) Interesting that it is Christian in that the outsiders though do succeed while those in power are condemned

  • @DangerHiVolt
    @DangerHiVolt 14 днів тому

    The 1288 word sentence is also a run on. On my second read thru now.

  • @virtusnonstemma
    @virtusnonstemma Місяць тому

    Thank you for sharing! Our loved ones live on in the stories we keep alive by telling them. Oral tradition is one of the most beautiful and important forms of communication. Keep spreading the word!

  • @ΑνδρομάχηΜαντζανίδου-ψ8ζ

    You are amazing. Thank you so much. Great analysis.

  • @michaelgarcia2973
    @michaelgarcia2973 Місяць тому

    Hi Eva...I am about to read Absalom by W. Faulkner...as I watch the 1999 Film The Ninth Gate with Johnny Depp.

  • @virtusnonstemma
    @virtusnonstemma Місяць тому

    Rewatching this after a few months and, wow, you really nailed this. Kudos to you, and I hope you grace us with some content this autumn season!

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour Місяць тому

      @@virtusnonstemma Aw! Thank you so much for your support! You can’t imagine what your words mean to me now. I want to produce new content very soon, but I’m overwhelmed with assignments. I usually take 3-4 courses per session, but this semester, I’m taking 5 because I want to graduate soon. I have some videos recorded but no time so far to edit them. I’ll try to get some of them ready during my reading week. Take care 💕

  • @NikephorosAer54
    @NikephorosAer54 Місяць тому

    Ok, Campbridge. I am sorry William. Nikephoros.

  • @NikephorosAer54
    @NikephorosAer54 Місяць тому

    The key to "Absalom, Absalom !" is to walk along with Quentin, with his broken watch, going to Death in Camb. Mass. Not hard to read if I get the rythm of this Great Poetry and also the "Quantum-like-sence" of Time. (hence the broken watch) I read The Book once a year for the Pleasure since 22. OK, 50 times? Who counts? A Greek friend, Nikephoros

  • @OutThereMarketing
    @OutThereMarketing Місяць тому

    I have a brand partnership opportunity for you, where can I get in touch with you?

  • @SANAAMJED-k2r
    @SANAAMJED-k2r Місяць тому

    it helped a lot..😁😁😁😁😁

  • @Spectre2434
    @Spectre2434 Місяць тому

    Byron is like Dracula on steriods! The Wandering Jew ! ❤❤❤ 😮😮😮! Dr. Doom!

  • @Spectre2434
    @Spectre2434 Місяць тому

    Byron is like Dracula on steriods! The Wandering Jew ! ❤❤❤ 😮😮😮!

  • @Spectre2434
    @Spectre2434 Місяць тому

    George Gordon, Lord Byron ❤❤❤

  • @sandrashepherd6005
    @sandrashepherd6005 Місяць тому

    Great!

  • @kimanikka
    @kimanikka 2 місяці тому

    Very interesting, thank you!

  • @kitsune_kukanttv2574
    @kitsune_kukanttv2574 3 місяці тому

    Brillant! Thank you for this

  • @knicksfule
    @knicksfule 3 місяці тому

    Love this video. My favorite novel.

  • @11katerinasofie33
    @11katerinasofie33 3 місяці тому

    Thank you so much for this video! I read Lolita when I was 16 and I believe it will be a completely different experience now that I'm 11 years older.

  • @RNMcKown
    @RNMcKown 3 місяці тому

    You asked about favourite fantasy books - my favourites are the late prose romances of William Morris, written in the 1890's. I first read these as an undergraduate, having found Morris'a Collected Works in our university library (this was in the early 1970's, before they started being reprinted in paperback). Although Morris is often described as a precursor of "high fantasy", his tales are not particularly heavy on magic and are perhaps rather closer to what you describe as "low fantasy". Of Morris' prose romances my particular favourites are "The Water of the Wondrous Isles" and "The Well at the World's End" - I've re-read them every few years for the past half-century, and Birdalone and Ursula are at the top of my list of most beloved literary characters. After Morris I read "The Lord of the Rings" and I came to very much enjoy Tolkien's work - over the years I have also re-read TLotR many times - but I have always been disappointed by the paucity of female characters in Tolkien's work. My taste in fantasy has actually led me look back to Mediaeval and Renaissance literature rather than forward into modern fantasy.

  • @pygmalioninvenus6057
    @pygmalioninvenus6057 3 місяці тому

    Pornography for women.

  • @pygmalioninvenus6057
    @pygmalioninvenus6057 3 місяці тому

    I am a glass of orange juice and I do not have limbs so I do not know how I am writing this message to you. It is all very strange...

  • @DawnClephane
    @DawnClephane 4 місяці тому

    This is a very informative and beautiful video! I am so glad I found this, keep up the good work!

  • @Stevie-J
    @Stevie-J 4 місяці тому

    This is neat. I live near Mexico and this reminds me of many Mexicans beliefs and traditions. It's fun to find commonality. You seem nice so I subscribed

  • @sdzielinski
    @sdzielinski 4 місяці тому

    An excellent analysis!

  • @fuzonzord9301
    @fuzonzord9301 4 місяці тому

    It's refreshing to see someone who notices all the ugly stuff that Humbert confesses to outside of what he did to Dolores. I think that the novel is heavily inspired by Crime and Punishment and Humbert is a type of character that considers himself an ubermensch who then is led by the author to the conclusion he's just a monster. My view is that the book isn't about Humbert manipulating the reader, but Humbert manipulating himself to convince himself to not hate himself and that his paedophilia is good and then Nabokov subjecting him to a sequence of events that proves him wrong. Fun fact, this book isn't written to be presented to the jury. It was supposed to be read after he and Dolores and Humbert and also I think that Humbert simply doesn't care how the reader sees him, that's why he constantly gives out information that shows him in worst light, casts doubt at his own thoughts, etc. For example he tells the story of Anabell and then says he isn't sure if he became a paedophile because of the trauma or if he was madly in love with Anabell because she was the "right age". Lots of Humberts statements refer to what he was thinking and how he was explaining things to himself at specific point of time. Humbert has a basic problem of being unable to control his impulses around Dolores - something that he's sharing with the protagonist of the Enchanter. The difference is that it results in Dolores being convinced that they are lovers while in the Enchanter it results in the victim screaming in terror. The part where he says "it was she who seduced me" was basically a joke because he had this great ubermensch plan of exploiting her without her being aware and was actively trying to put her to sleep and have his way with her and then it turned out she's interested in him. It's certain that Humbert went way further than she wanted and also he sucks in bed. Another thing that immediately after the event, he starts blackmailing her. Like he was completely unprepared for dealing with her as a person. Like what's funny about Humbert is that he sucks at what he does. Like he doesn't groom her, doesn't do stuff like telling her that she's exceptional, that she's mature for her age and other stuff that creeps do. He just has his special plan and also no self-control. The basic problem with the great manipulator theory is that he's really basic at his doing - he's mainly just lying but if he would really be that great manipulator the story would end with Dolores being in love with Humbert and being suddenly surprised that she aged out. One thing I wonder is if Humbert snapped after Anabell died - like he describes having almost spiritual connection to her and then he describes becoming cold after she died. I wonder if his narcissism and sociopathy and inability to connect are a result of trauma. Then there's another weird part where he claims that he has no problem having sex with adult women, he just finds girl-children in specific age range to have a special appeal. That suggests that he's not a real paedophile but rather a fetishist, which sort of makes the whole thing even worse.

  • @ElizabethMcCormick-s2n
    @ElizabethMcCormick-s2n 4 місяці тому

    Because it's told from the perspective of a self-justifying pedophilic MONSTER?

  • @pillbox1240
    @pillbox1240 4 місяці тому

    I got sick of reading his endless ramblings

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      @@pillbox1240 I think that’s the whole point. He is boring and gross 💀

    • @Tolstoy111
      @Tolstoy111 4 місяці тому

      @@evasliteraryparlour His prose is a tangled web of metaphors and allusions. The way he "seduces" the reader is a key part of how the novel works. The aesthetic of morality was a recurring theme in Nabokov.

  • @DanaJaneWriter
    @DanaJaneWriter 4 місяці тому

    Its not hard. Its a masterpiece

  • @sjmsutherland
    @sjmsutherland 4 місяці тому

    I've always given this novel a wide berth. After watching your video, I feel that as uncomfortable a read i know it'll be, I should give this a go. After all, I'm basing my thoughts on the complaints and those who hated the book but never read it!! One day, maybe I'll get to it!! Thank you for a great video, and it's lovely to see you again!!xx

  • @harkonen1000000
    @harkonen1000000 4 місяці тому

    Humbert outright demonizes his victims.

  • @rowenaroberta5244
    @rowenaroberta5244 4 місяці тому

    And now I want to re-read it 😊

  • @frostyantiromantic7910
    @frostyantiromantic7910 4 місяці тому

    We should consider HH a criminal in court, and this book a plea to us the Jury. If majority of readers manage to fall for it and consider it a love story or justify HH, then we have failed as a society, we’ve let HH manipulate our thoughts. And looking at how Lolita is viewed in general, I think we got there a long time back. 😞

  • @elemileTLDR
    @elemileTLDR 4 місяці тому

    Leí el libro a finales de mis 20's o inicios de mis 30's; hace una década, aproximadamente. Me has hecho reflexionar críticamente sobre el mismo y sobre mí. Gracias.

  • @Khatoon170
    @Khatoon170 4 місяці тому

    Happy belated Independence Day mrs Eva . Iam Arabic lady subscriber to British and American UA-cam channels. I sent comments to you from long times . Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel.

  • @Randleray
    @Randleray 4 місяці тому

    I kinda recently found this Channel and subscribed a while ago after watching your video about Gothic. There are some books and a couple movies I simply wont read/watch, because I already feel very much apalled by the premise alone. Lolita feels wrong in a lot of ways. Back when I watched parts of Cronenberg's The Fly, I constantly felt uneasy for several weeks. The same happened after certain scenes of The Thing. Those are very much body gore, but they touched on a nerve that makes my mind feel like cracking. The same feeling comes up thinking about the story in Lolita. But I always enjoy good analysis, so this video was interesting at the least. May I suggest a book for future videos? Bloodmeridian; I currently read through it, as it was suggested to me as a very unique book. It is very much different from what I am used to read - not because of the display of violence, but because the style is so... pale. It doesnt use any of the "classic" writing templates to describe stuff or let characters interact with each other.

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      You are right! there are stories that are just too much. Thank you for watching and for the recommendation. I'm going to check it out 💕

  • @mozart98
    @mozart98 4 місяці тому

    welcome back :)

  • @OctoberEclipse
    @OctoberEclipse 4 місяці тому

    In my view, Pale Fire presents a greater challenge for readers compared to Lolita due to its format as a lengthy poem. While Lolita depicts a disturbing narrative centered around a deceitful man, Nabokov's eloquent writing is beautifully displayed. It's not surprising that some may struggle with the morals of Humbert.

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      I didn't know he had written a long poem. I NEED TO READ THIS!🤩

  • @Buddhabebop
    @Buddhabebop 4 місяці тому

    its hard to read because as our resident genius jk rowling tweeted its a heartbreaking love story...

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      omg! did she really say that? I don't even now why I'm surprised

    • @Buddhabebop
      @Buddhabebop 4 місяці тому

      Lol yes and progressives collectively groaned and laughed awkwardly not merely for the disgusting braindead interpretation but also because shes one of these think of the children reactionaries with her transphobia ​@evasliteraryparlour

    • @Buddhabebop
      @Buddhabebop 4 місяці тому

      @@evasliteraryparlour she did. queen terf-- blessed be her name and may long be her reign-- in her profound depth of media literacy said nabokovs lolita is a heartbreaking love story rather than what it is: the biography of a pedophile. this is the woman who claims to be ever so fucking concerned about the health of children in general and transchildren specifically because we all know the penis is evil so transwomen must be too

    • @Buddhabebop
      @Buddhabebop 4 місяці тому

      @@evasliteraryparlour she did. queen terf-- blessed be her name and long may she reign-- in her profound depth of media literacy said nabokovs lolita is a heartbreaking love story rather than what it is: the biography of a pedophile. this is the woman who claims to be ever so fucking concerned about the health of children in general and transchildren specifically because we all know the penis is evil so transwomen must be too

  • @MSigs
    @MSigs 4 місяці тому

    After multiple attempts throughout the years, I finally listened to an audiobook of Lolita read by Jeremy Irons who also plays the main character in the movie. It was actually amazing. He brought so much personality to the character that by the end, I was conflicted about my feelings about him (as intended by the author).

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      Ever since I read the novel, I've been wanting to re-read it on audiobook version. You just convinced me to do it🤭

  • @zoobee
    @zoobee 4 місяці тому

    Yes! Humbert is grooming us, the reader, as he groomed Lolita. He is a predatory narcissist. And he succeeds. And suddenly, upon finishing the novel, we are unnerved, because to some degree, upon first reading, we are taken in by him. Really, Lolita is an infinite novel, one of the true infinite novels

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      Yeah ! some scholars have written about how the readers' outrage is a product of Humbert's seduction of them. According to this theory, the readers feel unsettled because Humbert's story appeals to their fantasies. Creepy!

  • @poopyloopy7236
    @poopyloopy7236 4 місяці тому

    unfortunately humbert humbert is very boring so i could never get into the book fully

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      I thought so, too. I was able to read the book because I found the story interesting, and I loved the writing style.

  • @emilyfaith8051
    @emilyfaith8051 4 місяці тому

    This was a great literary analysis! I’ve never read Lolita myself as I had been apprehensive toward it, though I’ve heard others’ analyses before and found them interesting. Your video has finally convinced me that I need to read the book for myself. I am a psychology student so the psychological nature of the book is very intriguing to me in particular. You’ve brought up some interesting points in this video, I can’t wait to explore them further in my own reading. Your way of speaking is very nice to listen to, I really enjoyed your video!

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      Thank you for watching and for your comment. I'm 100% sure that as a psychology student, you will find this novel super interesting. I'm very insecure about my way of speaking, so thank you for the compliment 🤗

  • @oogiemunster
    @oogiemunster 4 місяці тому

    Brilliant analysis, thank you.

  • @zoobee
    @zoobee 4 місяці тому

    I found Ada to be very difficult to read. Lolita I found thrilling and enlivening to read. Its set my mind aflame. And that is what makes it the most unnerving novel I have ever read. Martin Amis said something along these lines, that many novels through history were controversial because they challenged the conventions of the time, which needed to be challenged. However, Lolita is a novel about something that can never be redeemed, being about the grooming, kidnapping and rape of a child. It took me more than one reading to notice the moments of suffering of Lolita. Humbert is a pederast and a narcissist. He erases Lolita totally. He writes with the aesthetic beauty of a genius and angel, yet he writes to erase the actions of a devil and a rapist. The morality of Lolita is located here. And yet it is unnerving. It seduces us aesthetically. It involves us in the thrill of Humbert's voice, which is witty, rapturous, infinitely full of life and aesthetic transcendence and brilliant. And yet we are unnervingly seduced into this narcissist erasure of innocence and suffering. The misery of Lolita is erased by the narcissist rapist, who 'loses' to another pederast rapist who Lolita escapes with. And finally, her death in childbirth. It is a tragedy, that is glimpsed only when we see beyond the aesthetic justification of it all by Humbert. In a wider sense, I try and think of what emotional landscape led to this poise. Nabokov witnessed atrocity covered up and justified by apologists for the Bolsheviks who sent his family into exile. This is just speculation. We can never know what hinterland within the subconscious gives birth to genius. But Lolita is unnerving in a way no other novel is.

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      THIS! I thought the 1997 movie did a great job capturing the aesthetic of Humbert's prose but it never questions his reliability as a narrator. It's crazy how Dolores's story is not only erased by Humbert but also by the adaptations of the novel. The story is already tragic, but society's interpretation makes it even more.

  • @alannothnagle
    @alannothnagle 4 місяці тому

    Great analysis, but how does Clare Quilty fit into this? While he‘s also a pedophile, he exploits Lolita for profit, making her perform in porn movies and taking her to orgies, only to throw her out when she refuses to continue. Why does Nabokov include both characters, and which of the two is more disturbing?

  • @BooksAtMidnight
    @BooksAtMidnight 4 місяці тому

    Welcome back! Enjoyed your video and analysis… Look forward to your next video (sooner or later). All the best…

  • @WilliamsLibrary
    @WilliamsLibrary 4 місяці тому

    I'm so sorry to hear dystopian fiction is a trigger to you. Dystopian fiction is 1 of my favorite sub-genres. It makes me think; do North Korean refugees find 1984 triggering?

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      I read 1984 and the whole time I had terrible anxiety. That book made me shake, and I had to put it down many times. I have to read it again the next session, and I don’t know how I will manage. However, my brother loves it. That just shows how different our reactions to the same novel can be.

  • @JCarrera_ll
    @JCarrera_ll 4 місяці тому

    Your videos are great👏

    • @evasliteraryparlour
      @evasliteraryparlour 4 місяці тому

      thank you! It makes me happy to know people enjoy them. 🤩