From beyond the shining corrugations of the ocean I salute here brave Bretwit! Let there appear for a moment his hand and mine firmly clasping each other across the water over the golden wake of an emblematic sun. Let no insurance firm or airline use this insigne on the glossy page of a magazine as an ad badge under the picture of a retired businessman stupefied and honored by the sight of the technicolored snack the air hostess offers him with everything else she can give; rather, let this lofty handshake be regarded in our cynical age of frenzied heterosexualism as a last, but lasting, symbol of valor and self-abnegation.
The quote reflects on the significance of a brave gesture, represented by a handshake across the ocean, between the speaker and an individual named Bretwit. It evokes a sense of camaraderie and connection, set against the backdrop of a stunning natural landscape, symbolizing hope and valor in a complicated world. The imagery also contrasts the beauty of this moment with the commercializing aspects of modern life, where such sincere symbols are often reduced to mere marketing tools.
Nabokov criticizes the mundane commercialization of profound experiences, particularly those that should carry emotional weight. In an age saturated with superficial values, he suggests that this powerful handshake stands out as a testament to selflessness and courage. It invites readers to appreciate genuine human connections amidst a cultural landscape dominated by shallow representations of masculinity and consumerism.
