“Lolita: Oh my Carmen, my little Carmen…Humbert: Charmin’ Carmen. Started garglin’Lolita: I remember those sultry nightsHumbert: Those pre-raphaelitesLolita: No, come on. And the stars and the cars and the bars and the barmen.Humbert: And the bars that sparkled and the cars that parkled…And the curs that barkled and the birds that larkled.Lolita: And oh my charmin, our dreadful fightsHumbert: Such dreadful blightsLolita: And the something town where arm in…arm, we went, and our final row, and the gun I killed you with, o my Carmen…the gun I am holding now”
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Analysis of Quote from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
In this extract from Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita," the characters Lolita and Humbert engage in a playful and somewhat twisted conversation. The repetition of sounds and playful language between Lolita and Humbert creates a sense of intimacy and shared memories, while also hinting at darker undertones. The juxtaposition of seemingly innocent references to stars and bars with references to fights and guns foreshadows the complex and tumultuous relationship between Lolita and Humbert. This passage captures the disturbing yet captivating nature of their relationship, showcasing Nabokov's skillful use of language to convey complex emotions and themes.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," the twisted relationship between Humbert and Lolita is portrayed in a darkly humorous and disturbing way. The banter between the two characters reveals the dysfunctional nature of their bond, marked by violence and manipulation. This passage exemplifies the complex and morally ambiguous themes that continue to resonate in contemporary literature and discussions surrounding power dynamics, obsession, and the dark side of human relationships.
Example of Usage:
In this excerpt from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," the characters Lolita and Humbert engage in a playful and twisted conversation, showcasing their complex and tumultuous relationship. Through their banter, we see the dark and unsettling nature of their interactions.
Reflection Questions:
This excerpt from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" showcases the complicated and tumultuous relationship between Lolita and Humbert. Reflect on the following questions to delve deeper into the themes presented in this dialogue:
- How does the back-and-forth banter between Lolita and Humbert reflect the twisted nature of their relationship?
- What do the references to stars, cars, bars, and barmen symbolize in this conversation?
- What do you think the mention of a gun and killing signifies in their dialogue?
- How does the language and rhythm of this conversation contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
- In what ways does this excerpt highlight the manipulation and control Humbert holds over Lolita?
Similar quotes
“My Carmen," I said (I used to call her that sometimes) "we shall leave this raw sore town as soon as you get out of bed." "... Because, really," I continued, "there is no point in staying here." "There is no point in staying anywhere," said Lolita.”
“The stars that sparkled, and the cars that parkled, and the bars, and the barmen, were presently taken over by her”
“Wanted, wanted: Dolores Haze.Hair: brown. Lips: scarlet.Age: five thousand three hundred days.Profession: none, or "starlet"Where are you hiding, Dolores Haze?Why are you hiding, darling?(I Talk in a daze, I walk in a mazeI cannot get out, said the starling).Where are you riding, Dolores Haze?What make is the magic carpet?Is a Cream Cougar the present craze?And where are you parked, my car pet?Who is your hero, Dolores Haze?Still one of those blue-capped star-men?Oh the balmy days and the palmy bays,And the cars, and the bars, my Carmen!Oh Dolores, that juke-box hurts!Are you still dancin', darlin'?(Both in worn levis, both in torn T-shirts,And I, in my corner, snarlin').Happy, happy is gnarled McFateTouring the States with a child wife,Plowing his Molly in every StateAmong the protected wild life.My Dolly, my folly! Her eyes were vair,And never closed when I kissed her.Know an old perfume called Soliel Vert?Are you from Paris, mister?L'autre soir un air froid d'opera m'alita;Son fele -- bien fol est qui s'y fie!Il neige, le decor s'ecroule, Lolita!Lolita, qu'ai-je fait de ta vie?Dying, dying, Lolita Haze,Of hate and remorse, I'm dying.And again my hairy fist I raise,And again I hear you crying.Officer, officer, there they go--In the rain, where that lighted store is!And her socks are white, and I love her so,And her name is Haze, Dolores.Officer, officer, there they are--Dolores Haze and her lover!Whip out your gun and follow that car.Now tumble out and take cover.Wanted, wanted: Dolores Haze.Her dream-gray gaze never flinches.Ninety pounds is all she weighsWith a height of sixty inches.My car is limping, Dolores Haze,And the last long lap is the hardest,And I shall be dumped where the weed decays,And the rest is rust and stardust.”
“I insist the world know how much I loved my Lolita, this Lolita, pale and polluted, and big with another's child, but still gray-eyed, still sooty-lashed, still auburn and almond, still Carmencita, still mine; Changeons de vie, ma Carmen, allons vivre quelque part oы nous ne serons jamais sиparиs; Ohio? The wilds of Massachusetts? No matter, even if those eyes of hers would fade to myopic fish, and her nipples swell and crack, and her lovely young velvety delicate delta be tainted and torn--even then I would go mad with tenderness at the mere sight of your dear wan face, at the mere sound of your raucous young voice, my Lolita.”
“No, it is not my sense of the immorality of the Humbert Humbert-Lolita relationship that is strong; it is Humbert's sense. He cares, I do not. I do not give a damn for public morals, in America or elsewhere. And, anyway, cases of men in their forties marrying girls in their teens or early twenties have no bearing on Lolita whatever. Humbert was fond of "little girls"—not simply "young girls." Nymphets are girl-children, not starlets and "sex kittens." Lolita was twelve, not eighteen, when Humbert met her. You may remember that by the time she is fourteen, he refers to her as his "aging mistress.”
“Oh, my Lolita, I have only words to play with!”