The Controversy On Lo And Humbert

modern psychology. This medical report, written by Ray, is full of shoddy evidence that is just as clouded as the professional facts presented in the rest of the novel (3-6). The unresolved psychological strain takes a toll on Lo and Humbert alike. Lolita throws tantrums throughout the journey, and she eventually becomes physically sick as a result of the sick behaviors inflicted upon her throughout her life (239). Humbert also shows extreme anxiety as he imagines that he is being followed or spied on at all times (219). When Lolita is hospitalized, Humbert stands face to face with so-called trained professionals, but none of them are able to see past his manipulations in order to diagnose him as a perverted criminal (242). Early in the novel,

He often refers to the readers as “the jury” or “gentlemen and gentlewomen” (Nabokov). This manipulative writing approach scares publishers and readers alike. Four publishers rejected this novel on grounds that it was pornographic (O’Connor 139). Humbert’s haunting ability to win over the minds of his readers and appeal to their unspoken desires was a key reason for its controversy (139). In order to finally gain acceptance, readers needed to begin to peel back the layers of the novel to understand its application to the world of art. Since Humbert lives in his own reality, he uses an unconventional breakage of the fourth wall to rope readers into it. In this way, Humbert hopes to appeal to his audience to see him as an intellect and an artist rather than a criminal (“Approaching Lolita” 30). He also confuses the readers by constantly shifting his tone and self image. Sometime he is self incriminating and other times he is defensive of his actions, often using literature and complex science to back up his claims (“Approaching Lolita” 30). One can argue that he effectively seduces his readers while he is seducing Lo. In comparison, Humbert seems to anticipate what the readers will think about him, so he acts methodically in order to keep the readers on his side. He even seems to be aware that he is a fictional character at times. Many also fear this book because of the confusion behind

To get away with his crimes, he manipulates the readers and those around him. Nabokov creates Humbert as a multidimensional man who is father, a lover, a detective, and a criminal simultaneously in order to document the complexity of beauty and craft. Most of this novel takes place in the liminal space of cars or hotels, thus the only solid ground that readers have to stand on is the words of Humbert. They are invited into the world he has created, where nothing is as it seems. It is said that few books grapple with the complexities of perception as much as Lolita (Walter 4). The reading of this book offers insight into the mind of a crazed man, but really symbolizes an alternate, mythic reality in which art and beauty reign king. But on the other hand, we can never be too sure if this is in fact, what he wanted us to think all