The Situation

"'This is the situation, this is the choice. Dont you think that under the circumstances Dolores Haze had better stick to her old man?'
By rubbing all this in. I succeeded in terrorizing Lo, who despite a certain brash alertness of manner and spurts of wit was not as intelligent a child as her I.Q. might suggest" (151).

Humbert lectures Lo about the consequences of their secret getting out through this passage. Throughout the road trips, inns and hotels, one of Humberts biggest obstacles was keeping Lolita in a good mood. He attempted to bribe her with magazines, candy and motion pictures but eventually turned to a threat. Humbert attempted to gain back control from Lolita by exploiting the fact that she had absolutely no where else to go. This passage is important because it is the first I have read that gives him actual control instead of just his mistaken perception of his own control. The passage plays on the overall theme of control and the different methods of control. While Lo can manipulate Humbert through his love for her, Humbert has now recognized how to master Lo through her love and concern for herself.

The passage also depicts Humberts reoccurring artistry of words. Unsuccessfully, he attempts to use this talent on the readers and jury throughout the whole novel, seeking sympathy and understanding of his nymphodesiac lifestyle. However, in this passage, he does succeed in "terrorizing" Lo into submission. He uses his over exaggerated diction and talent of persuasion to keep Lo in line.

Do you think Lolita was actually terrorized by Humberts' rant or is this yet another illusion he has created for the reader?