“Mimicry, Time and Mind”: The Intersection of Art and Science in Vladimir Nabokov’s Fiction

Abstract

This thesis explores the intersection of art and science in the works of Vladimir Nabokov, a renowned novelist and lepidopterologist. This thesis integrates scientific concepts with literary analysis to examine Nabokov’s engagement with biology, physics, psychology, and cognitive psychology. Chapter two focuses on The Gift and “Father’s Butterflies,” analysing Nabokov’s parody of biography, his critique of Darwinian thought, and his exploration of creative evolution, non-utilitarian mimicry, and spiral speciation. Chapter three analyses the representation of time in Ada, including purified, reversible, and parallel time, drawing connections to advancements in physics. Van intertwines his philosophical treatise on time with his incestuous affair with Ada to explore nonlinear time and the complexities inherent in human relationships. Chapter four explores the psychological state of Hermann’s subjective double in Despair in relation to its intertextuality with Dostoevsky’s works. Nabokov parodies the psychological thriller and detective novel genres, revealing the tension between Hermann’s erroneous assumptions and the absurdity of his evidence. Chapter five decodes narrative patterns in Pale Fire, focusing on Charles Kinbote’s use of mirror symmetry, synchrony, and tree structure to connect John Shade’s poem and the Kingdom of Zembla. Nabokov examines reality and perception through a multifaceted narrative blending poetry, commentary, and detective narrative techniques. The thesis demonstrates how Nabokov bridges the gap between art and science, blending scientific principles with artistic sensibilities. His works challenge and engage with scientific debates on evolution, time, the mind, and reality, offering a perspective that suggests literature can explore, enrich, and even anticipate scientific phenomena. This study contributes new insights into the multifaceted nature of Nabokov’s artistic vision and scientific interests.