Control.

Ophelia · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject: Control.

Is Lolita all about exercising control?

Chapter 18, about Humbert's second wife, Charlotte:

Ophelia · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:52 am Post subject:

Ch 28, the (repeated ) use of the image of the key at the motel firmly establishes control, as well as outlining Lolita's prison.

Before their first sexual encounter, Humbert leaves her to sleep (he provided the drug!), and leaves the hotel room for a few hours, but he makes sure that he locks her in.
p 141 (Penguin Edition):

"And she was mine, she was mine, the key was in my fist, the fist was in my pocket, she was mine."

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject:

I won't even lie. I have not gotten that far. However, from reading the quotes it sounds like Humbert wants control but on his terms. Control seems to be key in this book. Who has it? Who is giving it up? Who truly has it?

realiz · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:19 pm Post subject:

Humbert want to possess Lolita. His desires have the control and he will do anything just to be able to have Lolita, at times unhappy with himself, loathing himself, other times ecstatic that he has her and can hold her. Lolita's learns that she has a little power and can trade sexual favors for gifts, or she can punish by withholding them.

Humbert knows his power over her will weaken and his fear of losing her causes him grief and paranoia which erodes his power further.

Ophelia · Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

Part II, chapter 7, gives us the details of their money arrangements.

However awful the topic, it is impossible not to feel admiration for the style here, the crazy humour, and at times the sophistication.


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