Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0015829, Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:09:03 -0800

Subject
Constellations & the Mystery of Dr. Sutton
Date
Body
Dear Matt and Jerry,

I 'm hoping to spend a little time soon studying what Matt and Jerry
have written about Dr "Sutton," but until then, in case it turns out
to be of interest, I found in the archives the following post I sent
to the List on Pale Fire constellations.

From: Carolyn Kunin To: Vladimir Nabokov Forum Sent: Friday, October
11, 2002 9:14 PM Subject: more Pale Fire Constellations

If in referrring to Kinbote as the Great Beaver, Nabokov was indeed
indicating a reference to the constellation Gemini, then the pail,
"situla," turns out to indicate the constellation Aquarius. Situla is
a star in the constellation Aquarius, but the name also is an
alternate name, along with Ganymede, for the constellation and
refers to the source from which Aquarius/Ganymede pours out the water/
wine. It seems that in most cultures this constellation is associated
with rains, floods, fountains.

One interesting astrological interpretation reads "The beauty of
Ganymedes and his flight through the air link [Situla] to the ideas
of personal charm and aviation with which [the constellation] is
certainly connected." The beauty of Ganymede has other Pale Fire
implications, and reflects on "Hebe's Cup."

Ursa Major has some Pale Fire links:

1) as indicating northernmost;

2) the mythical Atalanta was suckled by a she-bear;

2) the seven stars of the constellation are associated in some
cultures with death, and may have something to do with the seven
regalia-bearing courtiers that appear at the time of Queen Blenda's
death

4) The Bear is associated with the chase (another Atalanta link).

Other constellations spotted in Pale Fire:
Lyra,Krater,Cygnus,Virgo,Felis,Canis,Cancer,Monoceros.


In re-reading I realize I neglected to point out the obvious
implications of Ganymede for sexuality. But I am rather proud of that
Monoceros!
Carolyn

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