Dangerous Liaisons
Humbert explains to the reader that he tried to repress his desires and to carry out his fantasies in a more moral framework by frequenting prostitutes who resembled waifs. He even went so far as to establish a traditional family life by marrying his first wife for her youthful features, so as not to corrupt little girls the way he was urged to by his inner demon. However, he also attempts to justify his behavior by citing examples of historical figures such as Dante, whose famed adoration of younger women would now be termed forbidden love. Humbert feels that his desires are normal; the only problem is that he was born in the wrong century. If he were to have lived during the Roman Empire or in another society, he would have blended in with the cultural male norm of older men marrying child brides.
The subject of marrying minors is not clearly delineated, as according to New York State law, the age of consent is seventeen, while with parental consent and the approval of a judge, a minor is permitted to be married at the age of fourteen. These statistics reflect the custom among certain cultures to marry off their daughters at young ages, with whom Humbert wholeheartedly agrees and identifies. However, instead of traveling to a region where this practice is the norm, Humbert sets his sights on Lolita, the barely pubescent daughter of his landlady. What is perhaps most disturbing is the transition from pedophilia into incest, as Humbert goes as far as to marry Lolita’s mother, Mrs. Haze, in order to be closer to her daughter. Humbert takes advantage of Mrs. Haze’s lack of motherly love for her daughter to manipulate Lolita. Since Lolita grew up fatherless and unloved, she is unsure of the physical parameters between daughters and fathers, and thus Humbert uses her habit of horsing around to his advantage.
Humbert even attempts to use the excuse that Lolita seduces him, in an attempt to get even with her mother by stealing the attention of Humbert, the only person her mother truly loves. He also ensures that he mentions multiple times that he is quite an attractive man, making it only to be expected that a young girl such as Lolita would dream of making love with him. While mentioning Lolita’s fumbling embraces, he dwells on her passion, rather than how she ended up drugged and sharing his bed.
It is both disturbing and fascinating to observe as Humbert spirals deeper and deeper downwards. Due to the subjective voice of the narrator, it is impossible to know what really occurred, or who was responsible for initiating the first sexual act between the man and his daughter/lover, which Lolita brazenly and correctly terms incest. It is the tale of a man who recognizes his demons and delights in the thrill not just of the underage union, but by tempting and thwarting fate again and again, all while masquerading as a family man.
-Ariella Medows
Pages: 1 2
Tags: Lolita; Pedophilia
