Vladimir Nabokov

Kuzmanovich, Zoran. "Just as it was, or perhaps a little more perfect": Notes on Nabokov's Sources. 2002/03

Author(s)
Bibliographic title
"Just as it was, or perhaps a little more perfect": Notes on Nabokov's Sources
Periodical or collection
Nabokov Studies
Periodical issue
v. 7
Page(s)
13-32
Publication year
Abstract
Juxtaposing the opening of The Gift's second chapter with Speak, Memory's account of Nabokov's first poem and Lolita's couch scene reveals a surprising set of similarities. A preliminary study of these common points leads to some intriguing linkages and contradictions among Nabokov's roles as writer of fiction, autobiography, self-parody, and criticism. It also provides a new data set to be examined in light of the currently dominant critical paradigm, revises Nabokov's relations to other artists, and may even lead to consequences for his aesthetic theory.