Vladimir Nabokov

Definition

Vladimir Nabokov was a Russian-American novelist, poet, and literary critic, best known for his intricate narratives and innovative use of language. His works often explore themes of obsession, identity, and the nature of reality, while his unique narrative techniques challenge conventional storytelling methods, making him a pivotal figure in 20th-century literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nabokov was born in Russia in 1899 and later emigrated to the United States, where he became an influential literary figure.
2. His writing style is characterized by elaborate wordplay, intricate plots, and a focus on the inner lives of his characters.
3. Nabokov's use of unreliable narrators challenges readers to question the nature of truth in storytelling.
4. In addition to fiction, he was also a noted lepidopterist (butterfly expert) and published several works on the subject.
5. His novel 'Pale Fire' is often regarded as one of the greatest works of metafiction, consisting of a poem and a commentary that creates layers of narrative complexity.

Review Questions

• How does Nabokov's use of language contribute to the development of point of view in his narratives?
  • Nabokov's distinctive use of language enriches the point of view in his narratives by creating layers of meaning and enhancing character depth. His meticulous choice of words and stylistic flourishes allow readers to engage more deeply with the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. This results in a more immersive experience that invites readers to interpret the events from multiple perspectives, reflecting the complexity of human experience.
• Analyze how Nabokov employs unreliable narrators in his works and the effects this has on the reader's understanding of reality.
  • Nabokov's employment of unreliable narrators serves to unsettle readers' perceptions of reality and truth. By presenting characters whose motivations and perspectives are questionable, he compels readers to critically assess the narrative. This technique fosters a sense of ambiguity that reflects the complexities inherent in human relationships and subjective experience, encouraging deeper engagement with the text.
• Evaluate Nabokov's contribution to modern literature through his innovative narrative techniques and thematic explorations.
  • Nabokov's contributions to modern literature are profound due to his innovative narrative techniques, such as metafiction and intricate plotting. His exploration of themes like obsession, identity, and the fluidity of reality challenges traditional storytelling norms. By pushing the boundaries of how stories are told, he influences generations of writers and enriches literary discourse, establishing himself as a foundational figure in 20th-century literature.

Related terms

Lolita: A controversial novel by Nabokov that tells the story of Humbert Humbert's obsession with a young girl named Dolores Haze, exploring complex themes of desire and morality.

Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, often used in Nabokov's works to create ambiguity and challenge readers' perceptions of truth.

Metafiction: A style of writing that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, which Nabokov often employed to blur the lines between reality and fiction.