| Symbolism runs amuck throughout the works of Vladimir Nabokov. This especially holds true for Lolita, where around every turn a word or phrase with a symbolic nature await the unsuspecting victim, or reader. Many of Nabokov’s symbolic words or phrases also come in the form of literary allusions. The narrator in Lolita also places some symbolism he wishes were true. Here are a small collection of examples of symbolism from Lolita. John Ray: If one were to take the last name and think of it in Latin terms (Rex, or Rey in Spanish), one would get king. Who is the king in Nabokov’s world, well Nabokov of course. Humbert Humbert: In Italy there were two kings named Humbert which were dethroned; can one see the obvious symbolism here. Haze: The surname of both Dolores and Charlotte both lend a hand at suggesting what Humbert Humbert will cast over his account of the whole ordeal. Vivian Darkbloom: Not really symbolism, but rather an anagram for Vladimir Nabokov. Annabel Lee: Edgar Allen Poe also had a little trouble with a girl named Annabel Lee. butterfly: Nabokov, also known as a lepidopterist (someone who studies butterflies), places butterflies throughout most of his novels. Here the butterfly is Dolores; Humbert Humbert could be thought of as the spider hunting the butterfly. Carmen: In the opera a Spanish gypsy seduces an officer. Well in Lolita unfortunately for Humbert Humbert this does not happen, but he wishes that it would. Beauty and the Beast: Unfortunately Humbert Humbert will never be turned into a prince, he will remain a beast for eternity. The Little Mermaid: Yes Dolores is innocent, but she does not dream of going to her prince like Humbert Humbert would like. The Hunted Enchanters: The play Dolores took part in; Dolores was hunted, but was not an enchanter. This play also alludes back to the hotel where Humbert Humbert took pleasure in Dolores’ callow delights. Hansel and Gretel: Little children being sought after as food by a witch, no need to state the obvious here. Mr. Hyde: This would be a good way to describe Humbert Humbert, only he is Mr. Hyde and wants to turn himself into Dr. Jekyll. proteus: The god who could change forms. Humbert Humbert liked to changed the forms of individuals to his liking. Electra Gold: Only Humbert Humbert wishes Dolores Haze would have an "Electra complex". Electra is out of Greek mythology, where she fell in love with her father. red: The color is a symbol of blood and the death that will soon come. These examples were taken from the lectures of Professor Alexander Dolinin who teaches a class called: Vladimir Nabokov: Russian and American Writings at the University of Wisconsin-Madison |
