Lolita pg 166-200

Chapter 3-12:

New character: Gastin Godin- Humbert's acquaintance

The "Four D's" are dramatics, dancing, debating, and dating. These are the focuses of the new school which Lolita will be attending. As you can imagine, Humbert is less than thrilled that the school focuses on social skills rather than intellect/schoolwork. I guess most any other parent would feel that way, but Humbert's motivations are not the same as any other parent.
Humbert is growing increasingly paranoid that someone will suspect somehing peculiar between Him and Lolita, or even worse: Lolita will tell someone herself. As Humbert becomes closer to his friend Gastin Godin, he becomes more distant with Lolita. Lolita begins demanding more money before she will perform sexual favors. If you think about it, it has almost become prostitution. Humbert is paying her for this.

Even though Humbert is giving her money, he is also breaking into her room and stealing it back. He doesn't want her to save up and run away from him. He also doesn't want her to become involved with any other boy, so he does his best to prohibit her from being alone with boys her age.

In chapter 11, it becomes clear that Humbert is becoming extremely desparate. He describes an incident where Lolita was at her desk doing her homework and he actually stooped so low as to crawl over to her desk and beg for affection, which she clearly denied him. Even though she is the child, she still seems to have the control over the relationship.

Lolita's teachers seem to be concerned about her, as she isn't dating boys or maturing sexually or making intelectual progress. They recommend that she dates and takes part in the school play. This part is absolutely alarming: after the meeting with her teachers, Humbert finds Lolita in the library and pays her 65 cents to... how do i put it... fondle him? In the library. With another girl present. WHAT THE HECK. Ok, don't get me wrong, I know this type of thing goes on all the time. I don't have a problem with what two people want to do together in private. But... Lolita is still 12 years old and Humbert is... well boyond that. Not to mention they're in a public place.

Last thing that happened was Lolita gets sick and recovers and Humbert allows her to have a co-ed birthday party. He gets her a bike and a book of art. All this seems miniscule compared to the library scenario. That image is permanently etched into my brain. Ew.