Lolita 24-end of part 1

"'Okay,' said Lolita, 'here is where we start.' However, I shall not bore my learned readers with a detailed account of Lolita's presumption. Suffice it to say that not a trace of modesty did I perceive in this beautiful hardly formed young girl whom modern co-education, juvenile mores, the campfire racket and so forth had utterly and hopelessly depraved. She saw the stark act merely as part of a youngster's furtive world, unknown to adults."

This is the big scene where Humbert finally gets what he wants from his Lolita. So, I have to wonder why, being such a romantic poet and all, he does not describe the actual act. The man who never fails to reveal his revolting fantasies with beautiful, ornate descriptions simply claims to not want to bore his readers. This entire section is proof that Humbert is not a trustworthy narrator. For one, it hardly seems likely that Lo was the one seducing him. However, we can entertain that idea for now. Humbert's depiction of Lo to his "jury" is his attempt to be seen as innocent. He tries to justify his actions by claiming that Lo is not the little girl she seems to be. Instead, he describes her as having "not a trace of modesty," and later claims, "I was not even her first lover." Humbert skillfully manipulates the language he uses in order to portray himself as the victim. Perhaps, the very reason he chooses not to relive the act with the reader is to maintain that role. Humbert makes it seem as though sex is merely a game to Lo anyway, but to him, it is the fulfilling of his deepest desires. Without describing the dirty deed, Humbert, in a sense, keeps the romance alive, while Lo speaks freely about sexual encounters with both boys and girls at camp as though they are no big deal.

Q: Is Lo's sexuality a product of Humbert's imagination or has she really had these sexual encounters that Humbert says she described to him?

-Amber Riley