Explanation and Analysis of Key Quotes in Lolita
The Art of Nabokov's Language
Opening Lines
"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta."
This iconic opening demonstrates Nabokov's masterful wordplay and sets up several key themes:
- The alliteration and rhythm mimics the physical movement of pronouncing "Lolita"
- The sensual imagery immediately reveals Humbert's obsession
- The confession of "my sin" shows self-awareness while "my soul" suggests rationalization
The musicality of these lines is crucial - they're meant to seduce the reader just as Humbert attempts to seduce his audience.
Descriptive Passages
"She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita."
This quote reveals:
- The multiple identities imposed on the character
- Humbert's possessive nature in claiming the "Lolita" version for himself
- The contrast between the mundane reality and Humbert's romanticized vision
Don't mistake Humbert's poetic language for genuine love - it's a tool of manipulation.
Themes Through Quotes
Manipulation of Reality
"You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style."
This self-aware statement:
- Acknowledges the unreliable narrator
- Shows how beautiful language can mask horrible acts
- Demonstrates Humbert's attempt to control the narrative
