Humbert's Loss of Control

"...and it would take hours of blandishments, threats and promises to make her lend me for a few seconds her brown limbs in the seclusion of the five-dollar room before undertaking anything she might prefer to my poor joy."

This passage is found at the beginning of part two when Humbert is telling of their journey across the country. Constantly moving from town to town, Humbert is going to great lengths to keep Lo all to himself. However, getting Lo to willingly go along with his schemes has proved more difficult than Humbert imagined. Lo demands frequent stops along the road and begs to stay at fancy hotels she sees advertised. Though Humbert's initial threats change her attitude a little bit, Lo tends to get her way and Humbert complies with her wishes.

Here is a great example of the theme of control seen throughout the book. Humbert initially thought he would have control over Lo since she had no one else after her mother died. However, Lo seems to be the one calling the shots now. Humbert has underestimated her strength and stubbornness, just like he did with her mother. The nymphet he once desired for her childlike qualities is quickly turning into a young woman and is realizing the hold she has over him. The fact that Humbert is giving into her demands, perhaps shows that it is indeed more than a relationship made up of lust. This passage reinforces the idea that it is all a game to Lo. She simply gives Humbert what he wants, which is little to her, in exchange for sodas, souvenirs, and sightseeing.

Q: Now that Humbert has realized that Lo is not the nymphet he thought she was, why does he continue to keep her around when she seems to just be causing him trouble?