JM: Could
you explain how Vivian substituted the Q for the G? In Russian Humbert
became Gumbert, fine. But how should I to proceed to the next step?
Dear Jansy,
Vivian didn't substitute anything.
As to H's transformations to G's, all
foreign names beginning with H when Russified automatically begin with
G. Hugo (Victor) becomes Gyugo, Heinrich Heine becomes Genrikh Geyne,
Hoffmann becomes Gofman, etc. The Humbert/Gumbert metamorphosis is in
no way connected to Quilty's possible birht out of Humbert's guilt.
best,
Alexey