On June 10, 2024, “Jeopardy!” featured a challenging Final Jeopardy question in the category “New York Times Book Reviews.” The clue presented was: “In 1958 a review of this book now considered a classic called it repulsive, disgusting & ‘highbrow pornography’.”
This clue required contestants to delve into their knowledge of literary history and criticism.
What is Lolita?
“Lolita,” first published in 1955 in Paris and later in the United States in 1958, is one of Vladimir Nabokov’s most famous works, known for its controversial subject matter and Nabokov’s complex prose style. The novel’s plot revolves around the protagonist, Humbert Humbert, and his obsession and sexual relationship with the twelve-year-old Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames Lolita. The New York Times’ initial review reflects the shock and moral outrage that greeted the novel’s American publication.
Despite the early backlash, “Lolita” has been recognized as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature. Nabokov’s skillful handling of a disturbing topic through dark humor and lyrical prose has been extensively analyzed and praised. The novel challenges readers with its themes of obsession, manipulation, and the consequences of moral transgression, maintaining a significant place in the literary canon for its artistic merits and its exploration of complex themes.