Camera Obscura (original version of Laughter in the Dark)

Historical Context and Significance

Vladimir Nabokov's novel «Laughter in the Dark», published in 1932, is a significant work in 20th-century Russian literature. The book explores themes of moral decline, illusions, and self-deception through the story of the protagonist who becomes a victim of his own passions and delusions. Nabokov employs complex literary techniques and symbolism to create a deep psychological portrait of the characters. The novel's influence on culture is evident in its innovative approach to storytelling and psychological analysis, anticipating many themes and styles that Nabokov develops in his later works, such as «Lolita». «Laughter in the Dark» also reflects a transitional period in Nabokov's work, as he begins to move away from traditional forms and themes of Russian literature towards more experimental and modernist approaches.