Lolita: Is It Anti-American?

1836 Words8 Pages
1b) 'Another charge which some readers have made is that Lolita is anti-American. This is something that pains me considerably more than the idiotic accusation of immorality.' (Afterword: 'On a Book Entitled Lolita') To what extent do you agree with Nabokov's rejection of charges of anti-Americanism? Discuss the Novel's representation of America – its customs, culture, or landscape – to support your view. The debate of whether or not Nabokov's novel is in fact anti-American can be, to an extent, attributed to our perceptions of Humbert. Some observers would argue that Humbert, as a Swiss citizen but of French-Austrian descent, is representative of the Old Europe, a traveler who corrupts the American Dream through his entrapment, possession, rape and coercion of Dolores. In this instance Dolores represents the American Dream through her youth, innocence (although this itself has been vociferously debated) and slavish love to all modern conveniences. Critics might also suggest that Humbert's savage criticism of Americana through his derision of Dolores is a further sleight on the land of the free. However, Humbert's lyrical rapture over the great American landscape (as well its the banal motels) suggest there is more than just a passing affection for America. Coupled with his insatiable desire and affection for the all American girl the novels true representation of America is far from straight forward. Dolores' obsession with consumer culture and all its trappings cause her to gravitate towards Humbert. As we are told by our high brow narrator he bares more than a passing resemblance to an “actor chap on whom Lo has a crush.”[1] (Pt.1, Ch.11, Pg.43) This clearly defines the origins of Dolores' initial attraction towards Humbert. He even alters his appearance to deliberately play up to the likeness of the actor Dolores admires,which we are told
Open Document