In this video, Vladimir Nabokov discusses the inspiration behind his controversial novel "Lolita." He begins by referencing an anecdote about an ape taught to sketch, which he sees as an analogy for the protagonist, Humbert Humbert. Nabokov explains that the ape's first instinct was to sketch the bars of its own cage, and he likens this to Humbert's obsessive and frightening love for the young girl in the story.
Nabokov delves into the idea that Humbert's passion for the girl is the pattern of his obsession, shedding light on the psychological underpinnings of the novel. This video provides a rare glimpse into Nabokov's own interpretation of his work and the motivations behind its creation.
