1 Introduction

 Introduce the novels: "My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell and "Lolita" by
Vladimir Nabokov
 Define desire and destruction as central themes
 Thesis statement: Both novels delve into the complexities of desire, which lead to
destructive consequences for the protagonists and others around them.

2. Desire as a Driving Force

 Humbert Humbert in "Lolita"

1. Explore his obsessive desire for Lolita

2. Examine how his desire fuels his actions and decisions

 Vanessa Wye in "My Dark Vanessa"

1. Discuss her longing for love and validation from Strane

2. Analyse how her desire blinds her to the destructive nature of their relationship

3. Destructive Consequences

 Psychological destruction

1. Humbert's self-deception and moral decay

2. Vanessa's emotional turmoil and trauma

 Societal destruction

1. Impact on the victims' lives

2. Ripple effects on relationships and communities

4. Manipulation and Control

 Humbert's manipulation of Lolita

1. How he controls and exploits her vulnerability

2. The lasting damage of his manipulation on Lolita's psyche

 Strane's manipulation of Vanessa

1. Analyse the power dynamics in their relationship

2. Discuss the ways in which Strane's manipulation contributes to Vanessa's destruction

5. Desire vs. Morality

 Conflict between desire and ethical boundaries

 Exploration of societal norms and taboos surrounding desire
 Characters' justifications for their actions in the name of desire

6. Redemption and Resolution

 Is there redemption for the protagonists?

 How the novels conclude the themes of desire and destruction
 Reflection on the lasting impact of desire and destruction on the characters and readers

7. Conclusion

 Recap the exploration of desire and destruction in both novels

 Emphasise the universal themes and their relevance to human nature
 End with a thought-provoking closing statement on the complexities of desire and its
destructive potential in literature and life.

theme of desire and destruction in "My Dark Vanessa" and "Lolita"

"My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell:

 "I wanted it to happen. And like a fairy tale, it did." - Kate Elizabeth Russell, My Dark
Vanessa
 "But desire dictated, and reason, even the tiniest voice of morality, went silent." - Kate
Elizabeth Russell, My Dark Vanessa
 "My obsession with Strane and his obsession with me had become our world, an
underworld, where no one else could reach us." - Kate Elizabeth Russell, My Dark
Vanessa

"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov:

 "Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue
taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta." -
Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita
 . "I was a normal child. A normal child with a normal mischievousness and a normal
yearning for normal liberty." - Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita
 "Human life is but a series of footnotes to a vast obscure unfinished masterpiece." -
Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita

These quotes highlight the intense desires of the protagonists and the destructive consequences
that result from their actions and relationships, emphasising the complex interplay between
desire and destruction in both novels.

Quotes from "My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell:

1. "I wanted it to happen. And like a fairy tale, it did." - declarative, similie

This quote encapsulates the theme of desire and its consequences in "My Dark Vanessa."
Vanessa's desire for attention, validation, and love from Strane leads her to willingly engage in a
relationship with him, despite the destructive nature of their dynamic. The comparison to a fairy
tale highlights the illusion of happiness and fulfilment that desire can create, masking the darker
reality of manipulation and abuse.

2. "But desire dictated, and reason, even the tiniest voice of morality, went silent."

This quote illustrates the overpowering influence of desire over rational thought and moral
judgement. Vanessa's intense longing for affection and acceptance from Strane causes her to
ignore any internal qualms or ethical concerns she may have had about their relationship. It
emphasises how desire can blind individuals to the potential destruction of their actions, leading
them to prioritise immediate gratification over long-term consequences.

3. "My obsession with Strane and his obsession with me had become our world, an underworld,
where no one else could reach us." -

This quote highlights the all-consuming nature of desire and its isolating effects on the
characters. Vanessa and Strane's mutual obsession creates a bubble in which they are deeply
entangled, shutting out the outside world and its norms. Their relationship becomes a self-
contained universe characterised by secrecy, manipulation, and destruction, emphasising the
destructive power of unchecked desire.

4. "I really needed it to be a love story, you know ? I really, really need it to be that." (…)
"because if it isn't a love story then what is it ?" (…) "its my life" (…) "its been my whole life"

This quote focuses on how Vanessa has been withered and dissolved away in her idea of the
relationship she had with strane. The emotive tone and lexical field of the disbelief and begging
conveys how entrapped she is. Her idea of their relationship is the one strane has imbedded since
she was 15. >>> conclusion of the desire that lead into destruction
>>>>link to page 91 " you're in charge here Vanessa. You decide what we do"-strane

Quotes from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov:

1. "Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue
taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta." -

This opening line from "Lolita" captures Humbert Humbert's intense desire for Lolita and the
destructive consequences of his obsession. Humbert's passionate language reflects his fixation on
Lolita and the consuming nature of his desire, which ultimately leads to the destruction of both
himself and Lolita.

2. "I was a normal child. A normal child with a normal mischievousness and a normal yearning
for normal liberty." - declarative

This quote reflects Humbert's distorted perception of his desires and actions. Despite his
acknowledgment of his normalcy, Humbert's desires for Lolita lead him down a path of
immorality and destruction. It highlights the discrepancy between his outward appearance of
normalcy and the darkness lurking within, underscoring the theme of desire's ability to corrupt
and destroy innocence.

3. "Human life is but a series of footnotes to a vast obscure unfinished masterpiece."

This enigmatic quote from Humbert Humbert reflects his nihilistic worldview and the existential
themes present throughout "Lolita." It suggests that human existence is ultimately insignificant in
the face of larger forces, such as desire and destruction. The quote underscores the theme of
Desiree's destructive power, portraying human life as a mere footnote in the grand narrative of
desire's influence on humanity.

In conclusion, these quotes from both "My Dark Vanessa" and "Lolita" highlight the intricate
relationship between desire and destruction,conveying how intense longing and obsession can
lead to devastating consequences for the characters involved. They emphasise the all-consuming
nature of desire and its ability to blind individuals to the moral implications of their actions,
ultimately resulting in psychological and emotional destruction.

"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov has been subject to numerous critiques from various literary
scholars and critics. Here are some notable critics and their perspectives on the novel:

 *Nina Baym**: Baym argues that "Lolita" is a satire of American culture, exposing the
hypocrisy and corruption beneath the veneer of respectability. She suggests that Nabokov
uses irony and wordplay to critique societal norms and attitudes towards sexuality and
morality.

 . **Michiko Kakutani**: Kakutani praises Nabokov's mastery of language and style in

"Lolita," describing it as a work of linguistic virtuosity. However, she also acknowledges
the controversial nature of the novel's subject matter and its portrayal of taboo themes.

 **Harold Bloom**: Bloom considers "Lolita" to be one of the greatest novels of the 20th
century, praising Nabokov's ability to create a complex and morally ambiguous narrator
in Humbert Humbert. He argues that the novel transcends its scandalous subject matter to
become a profound exploration of human psychology and desire.
  **Susan Sontag**: Sontag explores the aesthetic and moral dimensions of "Lolita,"
arguing that Nabokov's treatment of the taboo subject matter challenges readers to
confront their own preconceptions and prejudices. She suggests that the novel's
ambiguity and ambiguity provoke reflection rather than straightforward condemnation.

 Lionel Trilling: Trilling offers a psychoanalytic interpretation of "Lolita," exploring the

unconscious motivations and desires of the characters. He suggests that Humbert's
obsession with Lolita stems from a deep-seated fear of death and a desire for immortality
through possession.

 Joyce Carol Oates: Oates discusses the feminist implications of "Lolita," arguing that
Nabokov's portrayal of Lolita as a passive object of male desire reflects the patriarchal
attitudes of the time. She suggests that Lolita's voice is silenced and marginalised within
the narrative, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

 Azar Nafisi: Nafisi examines the role of the reader in "Lolita," arguing that Nabokov's
use of an unreliable narrator challenges readers to actively engage with the text and
question their own interpretations. She suggests that the novel's ambiguity and
complexity invite multiple readings and interpretations.

These critics offer a range of perspectives on "Lolita," highlighting its literary significance,
thematic depth, and controversial subject matter. Their analyses contribute to the ongoing
discussion surrounding Nabokov's masterpiece and its enduring impact on literature and culture.

"My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell has garnered significant critical attention for its
exploration of complex themes such as trauma, power dynamics, and sexual abuse. Here are
some notable critics and their perspectives on the novel:

 . **Ron Charles (The Washington Post)**: Charles praises Russell's skillful handling of
difficult subject matter, describing "My Dark Vanessa" as "a master class in character and
 voice." He commends Russell for her nuanced portrayal of Vanessa's psychological
turmoil and the intricacies of her relationship with Strane.

 *Roxane Gay (The New York Times)**: Gay offers a mixed review of "My Dark
Vanessa," acknowledging the novel's compelling exploration of trauma and abuse while
criticising its pacing and structure. She highlights the importance of the #MeToo
movement in contextualising the novel's themes and suggests that Russell's portrayal of
Vanessa's agency and victimhood is a central point of debate.

 . **Emma Brockes (The Guardian)**: Brockes praises Russell for her "brave and
controversial" depiction of the complexities of abuse and victimhood. She commends the
novel for its nuanced exploration of power dynamics and emotional manipulation,
arguing that it offers valuable insights into the psychology of abuse survivors.

 . **Barbara Fisher (The Boston Globe)**: Fisher lauds Russell's debut novel as
"compulsively readable" and "emotionally harrowing," praising its raw honesty and
unflinching portrayal of trauma. She suggests that "My Dark Vanessa" is a timely and
important contribution to the ongoing conversation about consent and sexual abuse in
contemporary society.

 **Jennifer Szalai (The New York Times)**: Szalai offers a critical assessment of "My
Dark Vanessa," questioning Russell's handling of the novel's sensitive subject matter. She
suggests that the novel's graphic descriptions of abuse and trauma may be distressing for
some readers and argues that Russell's portrayal of Vanessa's agency and consent is
ambiguous and open to interpretation.

These critics offer a range of perspectives on "My Dark Vanessa," highlighting its strengths and
weaknesses as a work of fiction. While some praise Russell's nuanced exploration of trauma and
abuse, others question the novel's handling of its sensitive subject matter and the portrayal of its
central characters. Overall, "My Dark Vanessa" has sparked important conversations about
consent, power dynamics, and the lasting impact of trauma on survivors.