Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0015082, Mon, 2 Apr 2007 09:45:16 -0400

Subject
THOUGHTS: Pilven and Zapel, Black Giant
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Date
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Sergei Soloviev writes:

Dear Stephen,

To me this conjecture looks plausible, even on 1-st of April (though
I don't remember these names in Lolita). "Vino" in Russian often had
extended meaning, including strong drinks. One can also sing very well
after drinking wine (georgian culture was not alien - and was
quite popular in soviet times).

I would use this occasion to make a remark, concerning
one recent posting by Jansy.

Dear Jansy,

To the contrary, your idea that
"black giant" in Kinbote's comment can be an allusion to the folklore of
some slavic people looks to me not convincing at all - VN didn't
like folklore, didn't use it as a source of allusions, not to speak
of the folklore of some small slavic people, and would not use it
to characterize a personage, even Kinbote. I think it might have
provocative function in the America of the beginning of 60-es.

Best to all,

Sergei

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