Inspiring ‘Lolita’ – Why Vladimir Nabokov Wrote The Novel

In “On a Book Entitled Lolita,” Vladimir Nabokov wrote:

“As far as I can recall, the initial shiver of inspiration was somehow prompted by a newspaper story about an ape in the Jardin des Plantes, who, after months of coaxing by a scientist, produced the first drawing ever charcoaled by an animal: the sketch showed the bars of the poor creature’s cage.” 

His inspiration reminds me of I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

Prison and captivity imagery creeps into the novel. They are entrapped by his proclivities, and then imprisoned in a much more real way. He is enamored with the possession of her, and only later admits that he has robbed her of her innocence.

“I loved you. I was a pentapod monster, but I loved you. I was despicable and brutal, and turpid, and everything, mais je t’aimais, je t’aimais! And there were times when I knew how you felt, and it was hell to know it, my little one. Lolita girl, brave Dolly Schiller.” ~ Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita