Madness and Sanity in Humbert's Mind

Explores Humbert's psychological state and his manipulation of psychiatric discourse.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Feigned Insanity

The Game with Psychiatrists The Tricks Humbert enjoys fooling psychiatrists by inventing dreams and symptoms. He sees them as fools. The Self-Knowledge He is aware of his own perversion but refuses to accept the label of insanity. The Control He maintains control over his narrative, even in therapy.

The Borderline of Sanity

The Moments of Delirium The Hallucinations Humbert experiences hallucinations, such as seeing Quilty's face everywhere. He questions his own sanity. The Paranoia He believes he is being followed and plotted against. This may be real or imagined. The Rationalization He uses his supposed madness as an excuse for his actions, but also claims to be perfectly rational.

The Final Clarity

The Acceptance The Writing In his memoir, Humbert achieves a kind of clarity. He acknowledges his crimes without fully condemning himself. The Artistic Sanity He argues that his art redeems him. He is a poet, not a madman. The Ambiguity The reader must decide whether Humbert is insane or just evil.

1940s, in sanatoriums

1947-1952, throughout the story

1952, in prison