Laughter in the Dark

Main Ideas

• The theme of illusion and self-deception: The protagonist, Albinus, lives in a world of illusions, failing to see reality and deceiving himself about his feelings and actions.
• The destructive power of passion: Albinus's passion for the young Margot leads to his moral and physical downfall.
• Manipulation and control: Margot and her lover Rex manipulate Albinus, exploiting his weaknesses and naivety for their own gain.
• The tragicomedy of human life: Nabokov shows how tragic events can also be comic, highlighting the absurdity and irony of human fate.
• Blindness and revelation: Albinus's physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual and emotional blindness, as well as his inability to see the truth about himself and those around him.