Dear Anthony,
I'll only follow up on two of the quotes you sent (for fear of becoming a bore)
Carolyn
John Shade in Pale Fire leads an intense inner existence, far removed from what you call a joke. You must be confusing me with Dostoevski.
Surely Kinbote leads at least as intense an inner existence as Shade does - - and certainly more colorful. I don't understand your point, however.
Do you make a point of puzzling people and playing games with readers?
What a bore that would be!
And I take it that you take this seriously?!
Carolyn