Lolita's Conceit

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Author's Notes: I read Vladimir Nabokov's classic, "Lolita," many years ago, along with his other novels, and some of his short stories and poetry. I've done some original source reading of some of his works in Russian as well. "Lolita" is still controversial today given its obvious theme and intent, but perhaps even more so when it first hit the literary street in 1955. Having grown up in the 1950s in Kansas in a midwestern milieu of literary censorship, I didn't get a chance to really focus on Nabokov so much until my university days. My use of the Double Dactyl format in this instance afforded me the chance to zero-in on a few principal notions of Lolita's conceit. (Gary Bateman - August 18, 2018) (Double Dactyl).

Lolita’s Conceit Obsession defined Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov An accursed passion Love’s true abomination. Literary allusion Tintinnabulation Sounding moral oblivion God’s sure condemnation. Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, August 18, 2018 (Double Dactyl)

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Arturo Michael

Date: 8/19/2018 11:13:00 AM

Who's to say... maybe she was a victim of a bad rap as they say today...some jealous man... given the chance back then might have burnt her to the stake...poetry is a little more cultured...but seriously...thanks for the lights up...will check out Vladimir...I found it interesting

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/19/2018 12:34:00 PM

Hello Arturo, Thanks for your read here and very observant comment. Nabokov is truly a protean man for exquisite literary writing and literature in general. Beside English, he wrote a great deal in Russian (his native language) as well as in French and to a lesser extent in German. His novel, "Lolita" was quite daring for 1955 but helped pave the way for a more progressive and open view of literary works (to include poetry too), in general. Best!! Gary

Arthur Vaso

Date: 8/18/2018 11:39:00 PM

Loved the poem, and I confess I do not know of this, but with your notes I will check it out! thanks!!

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/19/2018 12:35:00 PM

Hello Art, Thanks for your read and thoughts here. At least I got you curious. That's why I always have notes with my various poems. Best!! Gary