Charlotte Haze's Downfall
LolitaTraces Charlotte's arc from lonely widow to desperate wife to accidental death.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Lonely Widow
The Background
The Loss
Charlotte is a widow, raising her daughter alone. She is socially isolated and yearns for companionship.
The House
She lives in a modest house on Lawn Street, trying to maintain appearances.
The Hope
When Humbert arrives as a lodger, she sees a chance for romance.
The Desperate Love
The Pursuit
The Letter
Charlotte writes a passionate letter to Humbert, confessing her love. She is vulnerable and hopeful.
The Marriage
Humbert accepts, and they marry. Charlotte is overjoyed, believing she has found happiness.
The Blindness
She ignores warning signs, such as Humbert's coldness and his interest in Lolita.
The Discovery and Death
The Fall
The Diary
Charlotte finds Humbert's diary and learns the truth. She is devastated and furious.
The Confrontation
She threatens to leave and take Lolita. Humbert tries to calm her, but she is determined.
The Accident
While mailing letters, she is hit by a car and killed. Her death is both tragic and convenient for Humbert.
Before June 1947, in Ramsdale
June 1947, in Ramsdale
Late July 1947, in Ramsdale
