A thorough examination of Nabokov's work as a novelist, critic, and memoirist. Explores Nabokov's fiction from his European and American periods, his (imagined) relation to literary predecessors, and his construct of an authorial self. Extensive outside reading required for this course.

This course explores the novels of Vladimir Nabokov, a transnational writer who wrote both in Russian and English. Nabokov believed that “one cannot read a book: one can only reread it.” In this course, we will practice reading (and, more importantly, re-reading) closely, attentively, and with curiosity. What kind of reader does Nabokov try to cultivate? And what other modes or methods of reading might we experiment with? How does Nabokov attempt to exercise control over his fictional world and our interpretation of it? We will consider the role of metafiction in Nabokov’s novels, as well as a range of themes, including: memory and imagination; games, puzzles, and play; sexuality and perversity; criminality; cruelty, tyranny, and freedom. Readings will include The Luzhin Defense, Invitation to a Beheading, Lolita, and Pnin, as well as some of Nabokov’s short stories. (No knowledge of Russian required. All readings in English.)

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills