Vladimir Nabokov’s 1955 novel Lolita is a classic piece of literature that continues to remain popular to this day. Set in the 1950s, the narrative follows Humbert Humbert, a professor and middle-aged man, as he becomes obsessed with Dolores Haze, a 12-year-old girl. What ensues is a dark, passionate, and often shocking love story between the two that nonetheless leads to disaster for all involved.
The novel starts out with Humbert narrating the story of his life. Through the narrative, we learn that he was an orphan who had a deep-seated love and obsession with precocious, young girls since a young age. After facing tragic events, Humbert becomes a professor, allowing himself to be in the company of his idealized objects of affection without question.
At this point, Humbert moves to a new town where he meets Lolita, or Dolores as she is known to her family. After establishing a connection with the family, Humbert quickly falls in love with Dolores and soon marries her mother in order to remain close to her. What follows is a dark road trip of sorts as Humbert whisks the young girl away with him to various locations. Throughout their travels, we witness the complex relationship between the two as Humbert becomes increasingly desperate to fulfill his desire for the young girl, who is simultaneously seductive and innocent.
Their journey soon ends when Dolores falls in love with a much older man, making Humbert incredibly jealous. Despite his unwavering longing for her, Humbert decides to let her go, hoping that she will eventually come to understand his love for her. As a result, the novel takes a heartbreaking turn as a figurative end to the romance between the two.
Lolita is a classic because of its sophisticated exploration of disturbing themes. Its subtle yet powerful narrative reveals much about the raw complexities of love. At the same time, the novel is often praised for its use of ironic humor throughout the story. This combination of light humor and profound ideas allows the reader to explore tough themes, including obsession and the manipulation of Lolita’s innocence, without being overwhelmed by the weight of the subject matter.
Today, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers worldwide. The novel exposes the risky and complex power of desire, ultimately making it a profound read that is not only enjoyable, but also thought provoking. Although the dark nature of the story makes for some uncomfortable reading, Lolita is still considered a literary masterpiece that has had a major impact on the literary world.
