The Luzhin Defense

Style and Technique

In "The Luzhin Defense," Vladimir Nabokov employs a complex and sophisticated language rich in metaphors and symbols. The narrative style is characterized by a high degree of psychological insight and attention to the inner world of the characters. Nabokov masterfully conveys the state of the main character, the chess genius Luzhin, through a stream of consciousness and internal monologues. Literary techniques include allusions, wordplay, and intertextuality. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, with frequent flashbacks, allowing for a deeper understanding of Luzhin's motivations and experiences. The author also uses chess terminology and metaphors to emphasize the strategic and mental aspects of the hero's life.