In Nabokov's "Lolita," the protagonist experiences a moment of deep emotional turmoil as he drives through a rainy landscape. The scene is infused with melancholy, reflecting his inner distress. As the windshield wipers struggle to clear the rain, they symbolize his inability to manage his overwhelming sorrow, emphasizing the contrast between the external environment and his internal state.
This powerful imagery of rain and tears captures the essence of his emotional struggle, suggesting that, like the weather, his feelings are uncontrollable and pervasive. The connection between the physical and emotional turmoil illustrates the complexity of the character's situation, creating a profound sense of longing and despair.