Aspects of Identity in Vladimir Nabokov's Novels

Résumé (en anglais)

While it is pretty obvious that it is only our images that are reflected when we look into the mirror, Vladimir Nabokov enjoys asking himself and his readers questions regarding our reflections of the self. Through his works, Nabokov suggests that our identities might not always be so easily separated. Our own perceptions of ourselves would not be the way they are if it was not for the others' perceptions, or what we believe them to be. He is suggesting that we should not trade our own identity, how we think we are, for the other viewpoints that others may give us. But at the same time, he is telling us to be wary of the other perceptions, to be careful about how one is to look at things. Nabokov is able to use the theme of the 'double-character' to allow us to question our own perceptions and where they might form and how they might affect our actions. He is telling us never to be too sure of what we think we are perceiving, while also asking us to remain true to our self.