The Five Senses in Nabokov's Works

This collection of essays explores the importance of the five senses in Vladimir Nabokov's work, including his synesthesia and multilingualism, and the sensual and erotic dimensions of sensoriality. It provides a focused and provocative approach to the role of sensory perceptions in shaping and narrating Nabokov's memories and creative process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 367 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This collection of essays delves into a subject that has received relatively little attention in Nabokovian criticism: the profound importance and significance of the five senses in Vladimir Nabokov's work, encompassing his poetry, politics, and aesthetics. Through meticulous analysis, this text explores the intricate relationship between the author's synesthesia and multilingualism and the five senses, as well as the sensual and erotic dimensions of sensoriality in his writings. Each chapter offers a meticulously researched and often thought-provoking exploration of the unique role that sensory perceptions play in shaping and narrating Nabokov's memories and in his creative process.

The significance of the five senses in Vladimir Nabokov's work cannot be overstated. Nabokov was a master of sensory description, using vivid and intricate language to evoke a rich and immersive experience for his readers. In his novels, he often delved into the intricate details of the senses, from the taste of a ripe peach to the sound of a butterfly's wings.

One of the key themes in Nabokov's work is the exploration of the relationship between the senses and the mind. He believed that the senses were not just tools for perception but also gateways to the subconscious and the realm of imagination. Through his writing, Nabokov demonstrated how the senses can be used to manipulate and interpret reality, creating new meanings and perspectives.

Another important aspect of Nabokov's work is his use of synesthesia. Synesthesia is a condition in which individuals experience sensory stimuli as colors, sounds, or textures. Nabokov himself was a synesthete, and this condition played a significant role in his creative process. He was able to use his synesthesia to create vivid and unique sensory experiences for his readers, allowing them to see and hear things in new and exciting ways.

Nabokov's multilingualism was also a key factor in his exploration of the senses. He was fluent in several languages, including Russian, English, French, and German, and this allowed him to access a wide range of sensory experiences and cultural references. He was able to use his multilingualism to create a rich and complex sensory landscape, drawing on the sensory experiences of different cultures and languages.

In addition to his novels, Nabokov also wrote a number of essays on the five senses. These essays provide a deeper understanding of the author's approach to the senses and their role in his creative process. One of the key themes in these essays is the idea of the "sensorium," which Nabokov defined as the sum of all the senses. He believed that the sensorium was the source of all creativity and that the senses were the means by which we access it.

Another important theme in Nabokov's essays is the idea of the "synaesthetic moment." This is a moment of sensory perception that is so intense and vivid that it becomes a source of inspiration for the artist. Nabokov believed that the synaesthetic moment was the key to unlocking the creative potential of the senses and that it was the source of all artistic expression.

In conclusion, the five senses play a profound role in Vladimir Nabokov's work, encompassing his poetry, politics, and aesthetics. Through his meticulous exploration of the senses, Nabokov demonstrated how the senses can be used to manipulate and interpret reality, create new meanings and perspectives, and unlock the creative potential of the senses. His use of synesthesia and multilingualism was a key factor in his ability to create a rich and complex sensory landscape, drawing on the sensory experiences of different cultures and languages. Nabokov's essays on the five senses provide a deeper understanding of his approach to the senses and their role in his creative process, and they continue to inspire and influence artists and writers today.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030454081
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020