Vladimir Nabokov and the Art of Moral Acts

Vladimir Nabokov's novels are analyzed as battlegrounds between an autonomous will and heteronomous passions, demonstrating his insistence that moral acts occur when the will triumphs over the passions by answering the call of duty. Dana Dragunoiu's book explores Nabokov's literary influences and philosophical contexts, arguing that his novels serve as testaments to the freedom of the will.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 15 September 2021
\n Publisher: Northwestern University Press
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This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay of ethics and aesthetics in the remarkable works of one of the twentieth century's most celebrated literary stylists, the Russian American novelist Vladimir Nabokov. In her insightful analysis, Dana Dragunoiu explores Nabokov's fictional realms as arenas where an autonomous will clashes with heteronomous passions, showcasing his unwavering belief that genuine moral actions arise when the will triumphs over the passions by answering the call of duty.

Dragunoiu skillfully weaves Nabokov's novels into a rich tapestry of literary influences, engaging with the works of Alexander Pushkin, William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, and Marcel Proust. She also delves into the philosophical frameworks of Kantian moral philosophy and the institution of the modern duel of honor, as well as the European traditions of chivalric literature that Nabokov studied during his time at Cambridge University. This diverse range of intellectual contexts enables Dragunoiu to present an original and thought-provoking argument about the formation, career, and enduring legacies of an author who regarded moral activity as an art form, and who saw artistic and moral acts as testament to the freedom of the will.

Through her meticulous examination, Dragunoiu sheds light on Nabokov's profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexities of the human psyche. She highlights his ability to create vivid and intricate characters who navigate the moral dilemmas of their lives with finesse and depth, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. By examining the interplay between ethics and aesthetics in Nabokov's works, Dragunoiu offers a fresh perspective on the author's enduring influence and his contribution to the literary canon.

This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of ethics and aesthetics, as well as in the rich tapestry of Vladimir Nabokov's literary genius. It provides a deep and rewarding exploration of the human condition, challenging readers to consider the complexities of moral decision-making and the power of art to inspire and transform.

\n Weight: 378g\n
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780810143999\n \n