7. Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita (cont.)

The lecture focuses on Nabokov's "Lolita," exploring themes of censorship, artistic originality, and the representation of children. It analyzes Nabokov's essay "On a Book Entitled Lolita" and uses it to interpret the novel, particularly the second road trip. The lecture posits that Lolita takes on the role of the artist in the second half of the novel, using performance and seduction. It also discusses the threat to children in the novel, portraying them as "cancelled" or turned to stone, and examines the tension between living art and gem-like, immortal art, with the aquamarine jewel symbolizing a dead childhood. The lecture concludes by reflecting on the absence of Lolita's voice and the failure of creation within the novel, suggesting art cannot compete with the real inventiveness of nature and human persons.