Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0010794, Tue, 14 Dec 2004 12:17:19 -0800

Subject
Re: Query: wordplay in Russian
Date
Body
Quoting "[Tomasz Cyba]" <tcyba@PRAST.PL>:

> ----------------- Message requiring your approval (15 lines)
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> In the first chapter of Part II of ADA, Van presents Ada's letters. The
> fourth one ends with a wordplay, which proved unsolvable for me.
>
> After making a suggestion for Van (she wants him to join her in El Paso),
> Ada says: 'Send me an aerogram with one Russian word — the end of my name
> and wit.'
>
> What is that 'one Russian word'?
> Is it simply 'da'?
> Then why 'wit'?
>
> Would somebody help me in my struggle with it?
>
> Thanks,
> Tomasz
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EDNOTE. My guess is that the wordplay involves both the DA of Ada and the set
phrase "at my wits end." both something esle might be involved.
Do note, however the play on"burning tip" and the ""agonia" of "PatAGONia."