I know this primarily appears to be a travel blog but as I'm not currently traveling, for the summer I think I'll make it into a literature one! The book I'll start off with is Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, published in the mid-to-late 1950s. It's considered to be a "modern classic" of the English language but one that incites, even to this day, much controversy due to the subject material. (for a better introduction, try out this link:
http://www.shmoop.com/lolita/ ) I've read it before (for funsies. Because literature can be fun! And I miss being in college, so this is going hopefully to make up for it a little bit.), however I've never done a full analysis of the novel. I'm going to treat it as if I'm part of a reading group, answering the questions posed on the website listed above to guide my study of the book. Anyone who wants to join me is welcome to!
I'd like to put in a little disclaimer. When I do start this up, remember that this is just my perception of the book. If you viewed it in a different way, please share it!
In case you aren't already somewhat aware of the basic plot of Lolita, I'm including the lyrics to the 80s song "Don't Stand So Close to Me" by the Police, which was partially inspired by Lolita. (
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTMzNDM0NTk2.html ) If you're offended in any way by the lyrics to this song, I really really don't suggest that you read Lolita.
Young teacher, the subject
Of schoolgirl fantasy
She wants him so badly
Knows what she wants to be
Inside her there's longing
This girl's an open page
Book marking - she's so close now
This girl is half his age
Chorus:
Don't stand, don't stand so
Don't stand so close to me
Her friends are so jealous
You know how bad girls get
Sometimes it's not so easy
To be the teacher's pet
Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry
Wet bus stop, she's waiting
His car is warm and dry
Chorus
Loose talk in the classroom
To hurt they try and try
Strong words in the classroom
The accusations fly
It's no use, he sees her
He starts to shake and cough
Just like the old man in
That book by Nabokov
Chorus
Chorus