The quote "Emphatically, no killers are we. Poets never kill," from Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita," underscores a distinct separation between art and violence. It suggests that those who create beauty and express themselves through poetry are fundamentally different from those who commit acts of harm. Poets engage with the world through imagination and emotion, rather than through destruction or aggression. This statement reflects Nabokov's belief in the power of artistic expression and the moral responsibility of creators.
Nabokov's assertion serves as a reminder that the realms of creativity and morality are intertwined in complex ways. While poets may explore dark themes and human emotions, their intent is to illuminate rather than to harm. This perspective emphasizes the transformative power of poetry, inviting readers to appreciate the depth of human experience without conflating it with the act of killing. Ultimately, Nabokov positions poets as seekers of truth and beauty, not as perpetrators of violence.