“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.”
Analysis of Quote:
In this quote from Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita, Humbert Humbert justifies his actions by claiming that he would never harm a child unless there was a chance of getting caught or facing consequences. This reveals Humbert's selfish and manipulative nature, as he prioritizes avoiding trouble over the well-being of a child. His lack of concern for the innocence of a child demonstrates his distorted sense of morals and highlights the depravity of his character.
Modern Relevance
In Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita," the protagonist, Humbert Humbert, rationalizes his illicit desires by claiming he would never harm a child if it meant stirring up trouble. This line speaks to the manipulative and self-serving nature of individuals who prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others. In today's digital age, where predators can easily exploit children online, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and protection in safeguarding innocence.
Humbert Humbert's Justification
"Under no circumstances would he have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row." - Vladimir Nabokov
Reflection Questions:
In the book, "Lolita," Humbert Humbert justifies his actions by claiming he would never harm a child if it meant getting caught or causing a commotion. This quote sparks an array of questions regarding morality, ethical behavior, and the true intentions of individuals. Reflect on the following questions:
How does Humbert's justification of not wanting to cause a "row" reflect on his true character and intentions?
Do you believe that Humbert Humbert's actions can be excused or justified in any way based on his reasoning?
How does this quote challenge our understanding of right and wrong when it comes to the protection of innocence in children?
What responsibility do we have as a society to protect children from individuals like Humbert Humbert, who may prioritize their personal gain over the well-being of a child?
In what ways can we work towards creating a culture that prioritizes the safety and protection of children above other concerns such as avoiding conflict or embarrassment?
Similar quotes
“I always call him Lewis Carroll Carroll, because he was the first Humbert Humbert.”
“Humbert Humbert: You know, I've missed you terribly. Lolita Haze: I haven't missed you. In fact, I've been revoltingly unfaithful to you. Humbert Humbert: Oh? Lolita Haze: But it doesn't matter a bit, because you've stopped caring anyway. Humbert Humbert: What makes you say I've stopped caring for you? Lolita Haze: Well, you haven't even kissed me yet, have you?”
“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.”
“Humbert was perfectly capable of intercourse with Eve, but it was Lilith he longed for.”
“The golden rule of fictional prose is that there are no rules - except the ones that each writer sets for him or herself. Repetition and simplicity worked (usually) for Hemingway's artistic purposes. Variation and decoration worked for Nabokov's, especially in Lolita. This novel takes the form of a brilliant piece of special pleading by a man whose attraction to a certain type of pubescent girl, whom he calls a "nymphet", leads him to commit evil deeds. The book aroused controversy on its first publication, and still disturbs, because it gives a seductive eloquence to a child-abuser and murderer. As Humbert Humbert himself says, "You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style.”