Despair

Historical Context and Significance

The novel «Despair» by Vladimir Nabokov, written in 1934, is an important work in 20th-century literature. It explores themes of duality, moral decline, and self-deception. The protagonist, Hermann, plans to commit the perfect crime by killing his double, leading to his own downfall. The book demonstrates Nabokov's mastery in creating complex psychological portraits and his unique narrative style. «Despair» has influenced subsequent literary works exploring themes of identity and moral ambiguity.