lolita

Lolita is a 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov. It centers on Humbert Humbert, an adult literature professor, who becomes romantically and sexually obsessed with Dolores Haze, a twelve-year-old girl known as Lolita. The narrative is presented as Humbert's confession, and the book is noted for its intricate prose and linguistic wordplay.

The story follows Humbert's pursuit and the ensuing illegal relationship, as well as the impact on Dolores and those around them. It examines themes of obsession, manipulation, guilt, memory, and the tension between artful language and troubling subject matter, raising questions about morality and responsibility in storytelling.

Lolita generated considerable controversy upon publication, leading to bans and censorship in several countries. Over time, it has come to be regarded as a landmark of 20th-century literature and Nabokov's most celebrated work, widely studied for its narrative technique, thematic depth, and stylistic innovations.

The novel has been adapted for screen twice: Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film and Adrian Lyne's 1997 version, both of which prompted discussion about the portrayal of the central relationship. The term "Lolita" has entered common usage to describe a sexually precocious young girl or an adult's infatuation with a minor, and it has influenced other cultural expressions, including the Lolita fashion subculture in Japan and related media.

Scholarly attention frequently centers on Nabokov's language, the reliability of the narrator, and the ethical questions surrounding portrayal, memory, and power.