C. Kunin: Dear ED SES, The name Lolita then, if you are correct and you seem to be, takes on a unique status within the novel - more than has previously been imagined. How does this influence how you feel about the possibility that VN had indeed read the earlier Lichberg "Lolita" tale as argued by Michael Maar? To me it suggests a reinforcement of that possibility. Carolyn
Jansy Mello: Dear Carolyn. Although it is highly possible that VN had read Lichberg’s “Lolita” ( Maar mentioned “cryptomnesia”?) the differences in style, overall content, spirit/place, literary quality and so forth make this association between VN and Lichberg somehow secondary and the ensuing debates, since they lie only in the field of “possibilities,” will depend exclusively of “opinions.” However, the issue is worth keeping in mind as well as the other equally illustrious possible examples of plagiarism, such as Dorothy Parker’s “Lolita” which was published in 1955.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1955/08/27/lolita Fiction AUGUST 27, 1955 ISSUE Lolita BY DOROTHY PARKER
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Mrs. Ewing was a short, middle aged Southern widow, who wore frills, had an animated personality and many friends Her daughter, Lolita, was quiet and plain.