Despair

Style and Technique

In the novel «Despair», Vladimir Nabokov employs a complex and sophisticated language, rich with metaphors, allusions, and wordplay. The narrative style is characterized by a high degree of reflection and irony, allowing a deeper insight into the protagonist's psychology. Nabokov skillfully uses literary devices such as the unreliable narrator, intertextuality, and metafiction, creating a multi-layered and ambiguous work. The structure of the novel is non-linear, with frequent digressions and flashbacks, emphasizing the internal chaos and fragmentation of the protagonist's consciousness. The author also actively uses symbolism and motifs of duality, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.