The labyrinth of desires and passions in Nabokov'sLolita

Abstract EN

Lolita(1955) is a novel that gives Nabokov the world prestige and status.

The novel can be tackled from different perspectives: psychological, social and political.

The paper is an attempt to explore the hidden corners of Humbert's self, tendencies, lust, love and passions towards Lolita, a girl of 9- 14 years old.

These confused and mixed emotions and whims create the charged atmosphere of the novel in which the characters find themselves in direct confrontation with each other or with themselves.

The worst is with one's own self where he/ she becomes a victim for the conditions he/ she creates.

Though Humbert seems a pedophilic character, we cannot guarantee that his sexual desire for Lolita is empty of real love for her.

The protagonist is subject to the clashing oppressive ideas about Lolita as if he owns her, and becomes part of his possessions especially if we know that Lolita revives the bitter memories of his lost love of his childhoodAnnabel.

He marries grownup women as an attempt to forget his longing for "nymphets", but marriages constantly ended, and the yearnings continue.

Although he failed in his marriages, his mental disorder, and his irregular occupation, Humbertcontinues to attractmuch attention constantly from the gentle sex.

He frequently detests this kind of consideration and attention.

He admitsthat he has loved Lolitaonly, and his fixation finally annihilates him.

He is afraid of losing another love as happened in his early life so that he is ready to do whatever it takes to keep and maintain the continuity of this love.

The "nymphets' he creates in his imagination dominate every detail of his life and becomes the fuel for it to the extent he murders Quilty for abducting and abusing Lolita.