tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post6016777469590769044..comments2023-11-02T06:50:42.777-07:00Comments on billierosie: LOLITA: STILL QUIETLY BRILLIANTbillierosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00288997506566830393noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-81186312842393577192014-05-28T14:16:43.716-07:002014-05-28T14:16:43.716-07:00This raises the question of whether literary skill...This raises the question of whether literary skill can give value to a work of fiction<br />that deals with shocking desires and activities. Some say there is no justification for "legitimizing" actions that cause long-term harm, while others say there should be no limits on what can be written about. I've thought a lot about censorship, and have had some first-hand experience with the decisions of censor boards, and my conclusion is that outlawing a thing (book, film, statue, painting, whatever) that already exists is doomed to fail. The publishers who refused to publish Lolita had every right to their decision, but once it was published, legally banning it would have turned it into hot contraband -- much like heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, etc., which flow across borders regardless of massive efforts to stop the dope trade. Discussing a book is different from trying to make it go away, and I think it makes a lot of sense to keep pointing out Humbert's selfishness, his pathological refusal or inability to imagine how his actions affect Lolita, and his unattractiveness as a role model. As far as I can see, a well-written book is a well-written book, but disturbing content is disturbing content -- these two aspects of the same novel don't cancel each other out.<br />Those in the caring professions who deal first-hand with the results of child sexual abuse can oppose defenders of men like Humbert every time they pop up in public places, including cyberspace. (Yes, I know this is exhausting. That's why many voices are needed!) I've been amazed at how often I have to explain to university students in an English class that: sexual assault or coercion or manipulation, by definition, is caused by the perpetrators. No one "causes" any of these things by being attractive, or "too innocent." (!) It seems as if each generation of young adults needs to hear this message all over again.Jean Robertahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08805088081675965859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-192041848237733722014-05-25T07:55:00.175-07:002014-05-25T07:55:00.175-07:00Sadly, I think, however much the narrative is dres...Sadly, I think, however much the narrative is dressed up as ''literature''' it boils down to a titillating and corrupt story aimed to shock its readers, but also to excite and plant thoughts in the minds of some.<br /> Nabokov was quite well aware of what he was creating, if not, why should he write it in the first place. As a writer, one invests time and emotional energy in one's characters. He carefully steers and controls the reader through the narrative. He may not ''approve'' of his protagonist (who could?) but the mere act of creation suggests, surely, approval on some level. <br />You write well on the subject, and analyze the essence of the book's purpose, drawing in wider areas to discuss and throw light on the book.<br /> However, for anybody who has a daughter, or who has worked with children damaged by predatory adults, as I have, the core theme of the book is still dangerous and depraved. <br />Lolita broke the ground and opened the door for other narratives,maybe not so well written, but dealing on a variety of salacious levels with the same topic. As such, I cannot condone it.<br />Publication gives it validation. You invited me to comment. This is my comment. I have no doubt I shall now be shot down in flames by many who see me as a ''prude'' and a ''Puritan''. Tough....<br />Like all such books, the cry ''it is a brave book'' does not fly. Writers have a moral responsibility for how they use words and an obligation not to use them for evil purposes.<br /> I remember reading the book in my teens and being deeply shocked. It changed my perception of the adult world as a ''safe ' place and made me reassess both myself as an emerging sexual being, and the male authority figures around me.<br />A little gold flaked off my innocence. Thanks Vladimir.Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-67912688684869165892014-04-29T09:59:42.343-07:002014-04-29T09:59:42.343-07:00I've always found Lotita to be a brilliantly w...I've always found Lotita to be a brilliantly written book and one with many layers. True Humbert lies, but he leaves it up to us to decide which part is the lie and which is the truth. The idea that a twelve year old girl is a temptress is interesting and certainly young girls that dress like Katie Perry and Lady Gaga out there today seem to be overly sexualized. And aren't women always blamed? Watch Philomena and note how many fathers are punished for parenting children.<br /><br />One of the things The Anti Saloon League of America did while they were fighting for Prohibition was to get the Age of Consent changed from 10 to 16, it was still 14 in many places in 1920. So think of Humbert, who is 42 when Lolita is 12 in 1955, a mere thirty years after a change to practices that were common the world over. This, of course, was one of many reasons so many 'women' died in childbirth, they were but children themselves.<br /><br />Lolita is an amazing book and a disturbing one. I especially like the opening:<br /><br />Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.Descarteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00066336477465694768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-19281420299881433392013-11-25T01:22:48.265-08:002013-11-25T01:22:48.265-08:00Yes I'd heard that too! How Lolita instigates ...Yes I'd heard that too! How Lolita instigates sex with him...but Humbert Humbert is a liar...it's there...in the text...billierosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00288997506566830393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-44696555359395887702013-11-24T21:46:52.924-08:002013-11-24T21:46:52.924-08:00What is especially shocking is that several review...What is especially shocking is that several reviewers of the 1950s held Lolita responsible for everything Humbert Humbert does to her. "Juvenile delinquency" seemed like more of a social issue then than paedophilia.Jean Robertahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08805088081675965859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-31320774019216576702013-11-17T13:35:36.249-08:002013-11-17T13:35:36.249-08:00You know...I think you're probably right...You know...I think you're probably right...billierosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00288997506566830393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670812027273632828.post-22985862088968535762013-11-17T01:09:56.295-08:002013-11-17T01:09:56.295-08:00If the manuscript were submitted to a publishing h...If the manuscript were submitted to a publishing house today the receptionist would call 911 (or 119, depending on your location). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com