Books Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““Great novels are above all great fairy tales . . . literature does not tell the truth but makes it up.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gift by Vladimir Nabokov, 1938
Literature creates its own truths through imagination rather than factual reporting.
In simple terms: Stories invent truth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace creative storytelling.
Themes
fiction
truth
imagination
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- education
- critical analysis
Key Concepts
narrative
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Can fiction convey deeper truths?
- What is the role of imagination in truth?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue truth is essential in literature.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
