Pale Fire Pale Fire

Nabokov's "Pale Fire" represents a fascinating departure from the conventional doppelganger narrative, which often features stark contrasts between two characters, as seen in Stevenson's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." In contrast, Nabokov introduces us to John Shade and his commentator, Charles Kinbote, whose relationship is characterized by a series of intricate ambiguities. These two figures may be seen as reflections of one another, or perhaps even as creations of each other’s imagination. The question of their identity becomes secondary to the interplay between Shade's poem and Kinbote's commentary; the two are inextricably linked, each relying on the other for meaning and existence. Ultimately, it is the art itself that prevails, transcending the individual personalities involved. As Kinbote poignantly remarks, "Yes, better stop. My notes and self are petering out...My work is finished. My poet is dead" (300).

Thematic Exploration of Duality

Nabokov intricately weaves a theme of duality throughout "Pale Fire," employing numbers as a motif to illustrate the complexity of Shade and Kinbote's relationship. Kinbote reveals that Shade was "born July 5, 1898, died July 21, 1959," which means he lived for 61 years and 16 days (13). The poem's structure further emphasizes this duality: the second and third cantos contain 334 lines, which double the 166 lines of the first and fourth cantos. This numerical symmetry is not merely coincidental but serves to reinforce the interconnectedness of the two characters. Kinbote himself is drawn to the concept of doubles, as seen in his foreword where he recounts an exchange about the installation of two ping-pong tables in his basement, humorously questioning whether having two is a crime (21-2). Nabokov's disdain for traditional doppelganger narratives is well documented; he once remarked, "The doppelganger is a great bore." His work seeks to elevate the concept beyond the simplistic dichotomy of the superego and id that has dominated previous literature.

Kinbote's Commentary and Its Implications

Kinbote articulates his role as a commentator, suggesting that authorial intent loses its significance without a guiding perspective. He asserts, "...without my notes Shade's text simply has no human reality at all since the human reality of such a poem as his...has to depend entirely on the reality of its author and surroundings, attachments and so forth, a reality that only my notes can provide...for better or worse, it is the commentator who has the last word" (28-9). This assertion raises questions about the nature of authorship and the validity of Kinbote's perspective. The reference to Shade's "attachments" can be interpreted as an indirect acknowledgment of Kinbote himself, reinforcing the notion that an author's work—and perhaps even their life—is shaped by the critical lens through which it is viewed. Whether this reflects Nabokov's own philosophy is open to interpretation, particularly given his satirical portrayal of Kinbote’s commentary, as seen in his musings on why Shade named a hurricane Lolita: "Why our poet chose to hive his 1958 hurricane a little-used Spanish name (sometimes given to parrots) instead of Linda or Lois, is not clear." This suggests that Nabokov values the original work of art more than the layers of commentary that surround it.

Detective Novel and Misplaced Identity

Throughout "Pale Fire," Nabokov constructs a narrative that functions as a detective novel centered on themes of mistaken identity. The presence of multiple aliases, such as Gradus's identity as Jacques de Grey and Kinbote’s complex relationship with Zemblan King Charles II, creates a labyrinthine web of confusion. This complexity leads to a broader exploration of what constitutes artistry. In this context, the essence of art is not solely found in the poem or the commentary but in the comprehensive synthesis presented by Nabokov's novel itself. Regardless of the intricate dynamics between Shade and Kinbote, it is ultimately Nabokov who has created all the characters, highlighting the author’s omnipotent role in shaping the narrative.

Conclusion: The Nature of Art

In conclusion, Nabokov's "Pale Fire" challenges traditional notions of identity and authorship, inviting readers to ponder the intricate relationship between creator and creation. The interplay between Shade’s poem and Kinbote’s commentary blurs the lines of individuality and artistic intent, emphasizing that art transcends the personal experiences of its creators. The novel serves as a testament to the complexities of artistic expression, where the boundaries of identity are constantly shifting. Through his masterful use of language and structure, Nabokov leaves us with an enduring question: What truly gives art its artistry? In the end, it is the entirety of "Pale Fire" that resonates, as it encapsulates the myriad shades of human experience, creativity, and the search for meaning.

References

• Nabokov, Vladimir. Pale Fire. Vintage, 1962.
• Nabokov, Vladimir. The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov. Vintage, 1996.
• Stevenson, Robert Louis. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Penguin Classics, 2003.