Nabokov's Eros and the Poetics of Desire

Nabokov gained international fame with Lolita, a highly erotic and morally disturbing novel. Through its comprehensive study of the amorous and sexual behaviors of Nabokov's characters this book shows how Eros, both as a clown or a pervert, contributes to the poetic excellence of his novels and accounts for the unfolding of the plots.

Introduction PART I: EROS' AGE-OLD TRICKS 1. The Tribulations of Adonis 2. Eve's Dupes PART II: STERILE PERVERSIONS 3. A Mere Animal Need: King, Queen Knave 4. No Need 5. Cruelty is Bliss PART III: CREATIVE PERVERSIONS 6. In a Glass Darkly: Pale Fire 7. Nymph-Hunting 8. Recreating the Androgyn: Ada Epilogue: Eros' Denials Bibliography Index