As we give presentations and read each chapter, one question
that is consistent in each discussion is whether or not Lolita is attracted to
Humbert. While we are well aware of Humbert’s feelings, we are have not been
given a clear answer about Lolita’s feelings towards Humbert. Vanity Fair calls the book “The only
convincing love story of our century.” Lolita gives Humbert a kiss before she
leaves for Camp Q. While in the car, Lolita and Humbert hold hands. All this
does suggest that Lolita has a serious attraction for Humbert Humbert. However,
I am still not convinced that Lolita has a serious attraction to Humbert.
In chapter 11, it is mentioned Humbert resembles an actor Lolita has a crush on. This could mean that Lolita’s flirtatious behavior and affinity for Humbert Humbert is more of a girl-crush (similar to one between a prepubescent fan girl and a member of a boy band) rather than serious attraction. Lolita could also show kindness and flirtatiousness towards Humbert Humbert because of her mother’s (obvious) attraction to Humbert. Lolita may flirt with Humbert either to annoy her mom or to tease her. While we know Charlotte Haze seems to despise Lolita, I am not convinced Lolita hates her mother. The kiss Lolita gives to Humbert could be because Lolita is aware of Charlotte’s desire to marry Humbert. She may see Humbert as a father figure now and a companion to her mother. A kiss on the cheek may be a sign that she welcomes Humbert to their family.
Vanity Fair’s statement does not necessarily mean the love story goes both directions, it could mean a love story that focuses only on the love Humbert has for Lolita. Lolita’s lack of concern for Humbert when he calls her at Camp Q also indicates she may like Humbert only because he is a companion for her mother. Lolita may want her mother to be happy, or maybe she believes her mother finding a husband will improve their relationship. While it does seem unlikely Lolita did not notice Humbert rubbing against her in chapter 13, in the next chapter Humbert seems very sure of her not noticing the act. If she acts as though it did not happen if she noticed, she might be okay with Humbert’s sexual advances. However, Humber’s certainty indicates that Lolita did not notice what Humbert did; there is nothing guaranteeing she has a strong attraction to Humbert. Is her affection simply the result of a girl-crush or a family bond? Or is Lolita's behavior the result of her love for Humbert?
Mike, I also find myself constantly asking the question whether or not Lolita is attracted to Humbert. I think Lolita has definitely developed a strong liking towards Humbert Humbert, but this is because she is without a father or brother. H.H. is the only man in Lolita's life, so what kind of attraction is it that Lolita feels towards H.H.? Is it one of a daughter towards a father or one of lust or love?
ReplyDeleteI think it's definitely plausible that Lolita is attracted to H.H. because after all, he is extremely good looking and likes spending time with her. However, is it even possible for a twelve year old to fall in love? Do twelve year olds know what love is? I'm not yet convinced that this is a "love story." Yet, we still have not seen too much of Lolita. I think she will return from camp, and we will get a better idea of who she is and the feelings she possesses for Humbert Humbert.
I also think you brought up a very good point that the love story does not have to go both directions. The reference could solely be about Humbert Humbert's love for Lolita. We'll just have to wait and see!
I believe that Lolita did love Humbert but love does have many shades and when from the perspective of a 12 year old girl deprived of a father or elder brothers love, I believe she was finding some one to fill that void in her life. The notorious behavior of hers was a clear indication of her longing and loneliness she had because of the lack of a fatherly figure. This can be inferred from the early scenes where it was revealed she was bullied in her previous school one reason of it could have been the void of a father in her life. What I believe is that Lolita did love humbert but being in so delicate a stage of life as she was in when a girl child is unable to understand the mixed volley of emotions in her, I think Humbert exploited and took advantage of her frail innocence hidden under the rouge and tough exterior. This can be further supported by the fact that in the novel it is mentioned that she sobs every night even after a year of Humbert engaging in the heinous act with her indicating she is a scared orphan child who is desperate to please the only support no matter how vile it is against her will. Truly Lolita according to me was a flower of a child who needed the gentle and loving care of a fatherly figure to bear sweet fruits but rather she was exploited emotionally and mentally and was used merely as a vessel to vent the perverted sexual desires of an antisocial element.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the book speaks from the side of Humbert Humbert, which may be biased to what he thinks is true or what he wants us to believe to make him look good.
ReplyDeletei don't believe Lolita was ever in love with HH. The closest of a romantic attatchment I can see from her is in the initial lust she felt for him in the early stages of their relationship. She was a 12 year old girl, on the brink of her sexual awakening. We find out from Lolita,during her stay at camp, that she was very fluid with her sexuality. What could be more arrousing than a handsome, older man showing an interest in you? (Bonus: he happened to look like her favorite actor) She also used his attraction to her as a means to be cruel to her mother. However this lust wears off as she gets to know him as a person rather than the handsome man who desires her. She begins to love him more as a father than a lover. The reader sees this slowly happening as she teases him like a daughter would to her father, how they argue over her attending social events as a father and daughter would. It even comes to the point where HH has to bribe Lolita in order to get her to pay him sexual attention. By further indulging in their toxic relationship, Lolita appears to have lost all her desire for sex unlike the other girls her age (something the headmistress of her school informs HH of). It is only when she starts distancing herself from HH does she begin to indulge in her sexuality. She even tells HH towards the end of the novel that she was never in love with him, but that he was a great father to her. There is an unspoken statement by Lolita which HH interprets as that while Cue may have broken Lolita's heart, HH merely broke her life.
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