Whoops, 
I hadn't read Kinbote's note to line 403 as carefully as Simon did, or remembered it as well.
Jansy is correct, the narrative voice does shift from first person to third person omniscient in these italicized sections; but I don't see that  as anything greater than something needed in order to create the synchronization device. Personally I see Kinbote's note as mainly elucidating the use of the italics for this purpose. In particular the passage beginning More headlights in the fog would otherwise be seen as connecting too closely to the line Where headlights from afar / Approached and grew... Kinbote's note makes clear that the second set of headlights are to be seen as being experienced by Hazel. I guess I missed that. All of the Hazel theme is seen, at least by me, as more or less ex post facto speculation by Shade necessarily rendered in the third person omniscient voice.

contritely,
–GSL


On Oct 25, 2010, at 3:52 PM, NABOKV-L wrote:

I think italics are something to be wary of when regarding omniscience within the poem, especially
since Kinbote reveals in the note to line 403, 'I have italicized the Hazel theme'.

It is Kinbote himself indicating his presence in editing the poem, rather than Shade acknowledging an
external all-knowing source.

Furthermore, I believe Kinbote's exposition that he has italicized parts of the poem leads to
questioning just how large his editorial presence has been. It appears that some of the other italics in
the poem could well have been chosen by Kinbote to promote his reading of the poem.

Finally, as the italics show, Kinbote is not afraid to modify the poem. Therefore, why did he not
append his line 1000 onto the poem's end?

Best,
Simon Rowberry

Search the archive Contact the Editors Visit "Nabokov Online Journal"
Visit Zembla View Nabokv-L Policies Manage subscription options

All private editorial communications, without exception, are read by both co-editors.


Search the archive Contact the Editors Visit "Nabokov Online Journal"
Visit Zembla View Nabokv-L Policies Manage subscription options

All private editorial communications, without exception, are read by both co-editors.