Readers will find the central character in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita – the narrator – to be one of literature’s most unorthodox, despicable characters. The character is filled with flaws that are nearly unforgivable in a person, but make for an interesting literary character. Humbert’s self-delusion is exposed in his narrative as his immorality and inherent deception are revealed. Humbert’s indecisiveness is also revealed in a subtle way in order to try and salvage his reputation. Nabokov establishes Humbert’s main characteristics using various literary devices, including various forms of random occurrence, the behavior of other characters, and Humbert himself.
Humbert’s obsession with Lolita is the main characteristic that defines him. His detachment and delusional nature is what leads to his immoral behavior and tragic end. Humbert’s delusional personality is evident in his passion for Lolita as opposed to the girl. Nabokov exposes the truth of Humbert’s delusional nature through his skillful use language. In the foreword of Humbert’s story, it is revealed that Humbert has changed the names of all characters in the story, except Lolita, as “her first and last name are too tightly woven into the very fibers of the book” (3). Humbert starts his story with the description that “the tip takes three steps to the palate before tapping the teeth, three times.” Humbert’s infatuation with Lolita, which is heavily focused on her name, appears superficial. It’s likely that Humbert was more interested in an abstract idea of Lolita than she actually was. Humbert’s delusional attraction to Lolita becomes apparent later in the narrative as he attempts a recreation of a childhood sexual experience with “Annabel haze, alias Dolores Lee and alias Loleeta.” (177). Humbert’s playfulness with names indicates that he does not care about Lolita at all, but is more interested in his ideal “nymphet”, which Annabel Lee or Dolores Haze fit. Humbert cannot accept Lolita’s apparent disdain towards her lover or the inevitable fact that she will grow up. Humbert’s abusive and oppressive behaviour with Lolita is an example of this lust-induced illusion. Humbert recognizes early on that Lolita is not a nymph forever and that she will never reciprocate the lust he has for her. In order to fulfill his sexual urges without harming her morals or her body, Humbert seeks out more innocent and unrequited outlets. Humbert’s mind is also able to break down boundaries once he has slept with Lolita. He expects that she will love him just as much as he does and won’t let her ignore his affections. He becomes paranoid. She is not allowed to travel with any other men. He also wants her to be sexually affectionate and to spend money on him. Humbert threatens Lolita with removal from their community and school in an attempt to preserve her nymph-like characteristics. Humbert refuses to accept that she can become like “any vulgar untidy girl who uses shared cosmetics over the course of two year” (216).
Nabokov often shows the darker nuances of Humbert Humbert’s immorality. These nuances are primarily demonstrated through Humbert’s creative self directed insults and death. Lolita suffers from death as a result of its tragic overall nature. He was raised without a mother, Annabel Lee, who was his first love, died before they could be together, both of Humbert’s wives passed away, and Lolita along with their stillborn daughter.
In line with Humbert’s lustful fantasy, none if the deaths which did not directly affect his carnal needs prove to have a great deal of moral impact on him. Humbert describes his first-wife’s death during childbirth, as “[his] small revenge” (32) and views the death Lolita’s mom as a very fortunate way to ensure that he has the child. Humbert also seems to be self-hating, as death is pervasive in the story.
In contrast to Lolita’s fair and delicate appearance, the narrator describes himself, for instance, as “lanky” and “big-boned”, with a “queer” accent and thick black eyebrows. This is a reference to the immoral desire that lies behind Humbert’s seductive personality (46). Humbert’s self-deprecation is meant to be a way of gaining sympathy, but the underlying malice of his character can still be seen.
Humbert’s actions are not solely his fault, despite the crimes and immoralities committed by him. Inaction and indecisiveness are his main characteristics. He rarely plans his actions in full conviction. Instead, he must be encouraged to do so. Nabokov highlights Humbert’s indecisiveness and lack of conviction by repeatedly mentioning his evil ideas, followed by his refusal to follow through with them. This trait is also highlighted throughout the story when fate plays a recurring role. Humbert contemplates murdering people to fulfill his compulsions or desires, but never does. Humbert does not like to commit to a decision, as it can be difficult to determine if it’s because of moral constraints. This is why he often backs out. What d’yeknow, folks? I could not bring myself to do it. This indicates that it wasn’t a practical issue but rather an inborn reluctance. McFate takes charge where Humbert’s efforts fail. Humbert is partly responsible for his actions. Many of the most important events in the story are a result of chance. For example, Lolita and Humbert’s meeting was facilitated by the Haze family’s vacancy, and Lolita met Quilty to steal Humbert’s child. Humbert does not actively participate in the main narrative events.
Humbert Humbert from Vladmir’s Lolita has a truly despicable character, but he is also a fascinating one. This character is an artistic representation of the taboo associated with hebephilia. It has traits such as lust-induced self-delusion and a tendency to inaction.
