quotablebookquotes discussion

Pages 236 - 309

This last section was pretty interesting compared to the rest of the book. I liked how this wrapped things up well, some parallels stood out to me, and Humbert had some development maybe?

I liked this part more than the other 3/4 of the book because he wasn't sexually dreaming of Lolita the whole time. This part actually made him look pathetic crying at her feet with that $4000. I didn't feel bad for him at all, I felt bad for Lolita for having to have such an influence in her life. I'm pleased he didn't lash out on Dick, but I thought it was too much for him to go after Quilty, especially since she wasn't even with him.

Also, what a shame it did turn out to be Quilty who was the "cheater" so to speak. He's just as bad as a pedophile as Humbert. Why I think she loved him instead of Humbert is because he never forced himself on her. Although he was a presence in her life, he never kidnapped her and took her out on a grand cross-country roadtrip keeping her from being happy. Still, I'm glad she settled down with Dick even if it didn't last.

I loved the fight scene between Humbert and Quilty where he mixes them up and makes them the same person. It made me think about how the two characters are a lot alike. Creepy, but something to think about.

Something I noticed about Humbert and Lolita is he called her "Dolly" more when she was older and less nymphet-like, while he called her "Lolita" more when she was younger and more pure. I don't know if that was intentional or if it's a coincidence I'm looking into, but I thought it was interesting.

I was surprised he would confess he was wrong in every way he interacted with Lolita, but he did. I don't know whether this is some sane part of him speaking, or if even in his sick mind he realizes he's wrong. Or maybe because he failed to have her in the end is the only reason he'll admit he did her wrong.