Subject
Kinbote: camouflage or coincidence?
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In my opinion, VN might have extracted the "kinbote" meaning from the
familiar RLS's work
(cryptomnesically or not)
Dear Jansy,
The word "kinbote" like the word "versipel" is too unusual to be a
happenstance. Neither word appears in the OED, yet both are found in
Webster's 3rd edition. Their usage by VN is very calculated.
a thematic similarity with Grimm's "Frau Holle" and where a compliant child
gets a princely reward while the reluctant one is punished with shame or
death by exposure.
Since I read the story you mention, as you sent me a copy, allow me to
disagree with your interpretation. The virtuous child is not compliant, but
on the contrary, stubbornly refuses to admit that "King Frost" with all his
furious and terrifying clicks and snaps has made her feel the slightest
cold. I interpreted her behavior as defiant rather than compliant.
Carolyn
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familiar RLS's work
(cryptomnesically or not)
Dear Jansy,
The word "kinbote" like the word "versipel" is too unusual to be a
happenstance. Neither word appears in the OED, yet both are found in
Webster's 3rd edition. Their usage by VN is very calculated.
a thematic similarity with Grimm's "Frau Holle" and where a compliant child
gets a princely reward while the reluctant one is punished with shame or
death by exposure.
Since I read the story you mention, as you sent me a copy, allow me to
disagree with your interpretation. The virtuous child is not compliant, but
on the contrary, stubbornly refuses to admit that "King Frost" with all his
furious and terrifying clicks and snaps has made her feel the slightest
cold. I interpreted her behavior as defiant rather than compliant.
Carolyn
Search the archive: http://listserv.ucsb.edu/archives/nabokv-l.html
Contact the Editors: mailto:nabokv-l@utk.edu,nabokv-l@holycross.edu
Visit Zembla: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/nabokov/zembla.htm
View Nabokv-L policies: http://web.utk.edu/~sblackwe/EDNote.htm