-------- Original Message --------
I don't agree that "the theories of the Shadeans and Hazel Shadeans"
are "ungrounded," nor that they have diverted discussion of
Kinbote/Botkin. Plenty of bandwidth for both. But I agree with all
your other points. What is the point, if one can ask after "points,"
of Botkin? I've never understood what VN intended by this. If it's
just another wrinkle, it seems to me one too many. Kinbote is rich and
vital and wonderful and bizarre. That he is the projection or alter
ego of a cipher (in the novel's context) is cause for despair. If
Kinbote isn't real, and I think that's what is implied, not only am I
personally disappointed, but don't know how to grasp Botkin. Was it
Botkin who lived next door to Shade or is that fantasy? Etc. I don't
find these considerations exciting.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nabokv-L <nabokv-l@UTK.EDU>
To: N