"You mean," she said opening her eyes and raising herself slightly, the snake that may strike, "you mean you will give us that money only if I go with you to a motel. Os that what you mean?"
"No" I said, "you got it all wrong. I want you to leave your incidental Dick, and this awful hole, and come to live with me and die with me, and everything with me." (words to that effect).
"You're crazy," she said, her features working.
"Think it over, Lolita. There are no strings attached. Except, perhaps- well no matter." (A reprieve, I wanted to say but did not.) "Anyway, if you refuse you will still get your....trousseau."
(278)
This conversation takes place in Lolita's new home, after Humbert tracks her down in hopes of finding her abductor. What I find interesting about this passage is that his love for Lolita is still burning. He had gone to her home, hoping to kill the man that stole him away from her, and really not expecting to feel the same passion for Lolita as before, considering she was long out of her nymphet stage. Earlier on the page, he was elaborating on how he discovered that no matter what physically happens to Lolita, he will still be attracted to her. Another thing I found interesting in this passage is that he is portraying a kind of father-like quality by giving her the money regardless of her choice. She wants him to go away with him, but even if she decides not to, he will support her financially. This may be one of the first times he uses money out of love, not out of fear. He takes on his role as a "father" and helps her and her husband with their debt.
Q: Did Humbert's role change with the absence of their relationship? Does he now see himself as a protector and true guardian, or is he still in love with the idea of Lolita?
Madelyn Moon
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