Lolita Language and Communication Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Let us, however, forget, Dolores Haze, so-called legal terminology, terminology that accepts as rational the term "lewd and lascivious cohabitation." I am not a criminal sexual psychopath taking indecent liberties with a child [. . .] I am your daddum. (2.1. 11)

Humbert spends a lot of time rationalizing his behavior. Somehow, if he can convince Lolita and the reader, perhaps he can also convince himself.

Quote #8

At the very first motel office I visited, Ponderosa Lodge, his entry, among a dozen obviously human ones, read: Dr. Gratiano Forbeson, Mirandola, NY. Its Italian Comedy connotations could not fail to strike me, of course. (2.23.4)

Humbert had found in Clare Quilty a worthy rival. They are both lovers of language and of Lolita.

Quote #9

His allusions were definitely highbrow. He was well-read. He knew French. He was versed in logodaedaly and logomancy. (2.23.5)

Humbert cannot help but respect Lolita's abductor because of his deft language skills. Because Quilty is like him, Humbert both admires and despises him.