Capable Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
“Humbert was perfectly capable of intercourse with Eve, but it was Lilith he longed for.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, 1955
Humbert desires Lilith, not Eve, indicating a longing for an idealized, unattainable love.
In simple terms: Desire for an ideal beyond the attainable.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reflect on impossible desires.
Themes
desire
idealization
unattainable love
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- artistic inspiration
- personal longing
Key Concepts
literary analysis
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What unattainable ideal do you pursue?
- How does this affect your real relationships?
A Different Perspective
Chasing fantasies can cause suffering.
![“...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)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
