- 1
What authorial challenges does Nabokov face at the outset of the novel, and how does he address them through his choice of narrator and the introduction of a central tension in the novel?
The Real Life of Sebastian Knight commences with a formidable challenge for Nabokov: His task is not only to establish the suspension of disbelief inherent in all fiction but also to captivate the reader's interest in a fictional character, Sebastian Knight, and the fabrication of his biography. Furthermore, Nabokov selects the digressive and defensive V. as our narrator, a choice that might not be the most reader-friendly.
However, with an awareness of these challenges and an...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2373 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11023 literature essays, 2793 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.