Discussion of Discourse in Nabokov's Lolita

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view all our essays on Other Authors that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

IB Extended Essay

English A1

How does the discourse between Humbert Humbert's authorial strategy as the first person narrator of 'Lolita' and Vladimir Nabokov's own strategy as the book's author affect our reading of the text?

Candidate Name: Natasha Frost

Candidate Session Number: 000434-033

School: Kristin School 000434

Supervisor: Mrs. Meryl Noyes

Word Count: 3,994

Abstract

This essay explores the relationship between authorial strategy and the strategy and defence of the narrator within the book Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. It also considers how the discourse between these two elements affects the reader's perception of the narrator and our judgment of his crimes, coming to the conclusion that we must consider the bare facts presented by Nabokov and prevent ourselves from becoming swayed by Humbert's rhetoric and powerful aesthetics. It considers this in light of the views of previous readers in order to understand how Humbert's manipulation can at times be successful.

The essay investigates in some depth the notion of Nabokov's description of events and the subtle tools he uses that undermine the story we are told by Humbert Humbert. It considers the psychological tools Humbert uses to inspire