Chapters 23 through 33 see quite a bit of action and really starts to get to what I feel is the meat and bones of the story. The reader is really finally rewarded with elements of this story that take on some life and action, where the chapters before really worked to lay a foundation for what is to come. I think that it is interesting that in all of H.H.’s planning and scheming that fate would just land him that which he sought, the death of Charlotte. and I get a sense that in all of his planning and scheming, he never really thought through what it was he would do once he dispatched Charlotte, and had Deloris for himself. At the end of chapter 25, page 109, when he is making a reservation at the hotel instead of calling he sends a telegram in fear that in his excitement that he may give himself away. Humbert even comments on this: “What a comic, clumsy wavering Prince Charming I was!”
I have also noticed in parts here and there throughout this book the use of predator language as to suggest on Nabokov’s part Humbert's true nature. For example on page 111 towards the middle of the page he says, “But “in a wink” as the Germans say, the angelic line of conduct was erased, and I over took my pray again — in fact, more of my Lolita than ever.” Here he refers to Deloris as his prey, a suggestion that he is a predator.
Does the Death of Charlotte come off as being kind of a convenient plot device on Nabokov’s part for a lack of better solution for Humbert to rid himself of her without getting in trouble with the law?
If this accident had not occurred what other options could have been explored to achieve the same result that Nabokov wanted to occur? Have fun with this one.
Does this use of predatory language suggest that Humbert may actually be aware of the fact that he knows that what he is doing is wrong, even though he has rationalized his behavior to himself?
I feel that the way Charlotte died was very convenient. So much so that Humbert barely even blinks at the event, and immediately shifts into planning to have his way with Lolita. The utter convince and lack of emotion in the matter is further expressed in Humbert's confrontation with the man that ran over Charlotte. Humbert accepted his apology immediately without an outburst, and the man was sent free without any punishments for his crimes. This in a way could be a reflection of Humbert, for he is now free to commit his own misdeeds without any fear of punishment on behalf of Charlotte or the police.
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