Responding and Reflecting #4

Book: Lolita
Lens: Feminist





I think that in this book the "love" that Humbert has for Lolita is present when he marries her mother, Charlotte Haze, in fear of losing Lolita. One of the worst parts is the way he speaks about Ms. Haze even though she is only wrapped around the idea that they're in love.

Humbert thinks that he is extremely attractive. He believes that the reason Charlotte fell for with him and the reason that Lolita is in love with him is due to these good-looks. He tries to excuse his behavior by saying like hey I'm good-looking and I could get with anyone I want so it's not wrong that I want these young girl because it's not creepy. He intends that it is only unacceptable for unattractive men or men who are not as educated as him to try and get with girls of that age group. He makes it seem like Lolita likes him and falls for him because he is good-looking, but that would not be the case if he wasn't. I think this ties back to a rape culture attitude based on how people perceive these situations. In many cases, people fight back as saying like " I get tons of girls/guys. I don't need to rape anyone to get what I want". I feel like the role of women in our society make it okay for people to get away with this sometimes. Humbert's views towards women allow him to maintain this mindset because he has minimal respect towards them. He feels he's doing them a favor with his presence. He also gives the idea that Lolita is "unrapeable" because of her sexual tendencies. So far I have read that Lolita has grown fond of Humbert, this he may say gives him the right to advance sexually with Lolita. 

As I read on, I continue to see how Humbert's attitude about himself and towards women influence his actions and he continues to make excuses for his actions. The point is that he is raping this girl even if Lolita is fond of him or she does love him. This relationship was not started with both parties going in with the intention of a romantic relationship or even an understanding of their relationship. In reality, it is more like Humbert trying to get what he wants with this girl and going through great lengths to achieve it.