In Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," a character suggests that the narrator should take up golf as a remedy, but ultimately decides to offer something more potent. This reflects the narrator's inner turmoil and the inadequacy of conventional solutions for his unique afflictions. The request for an extraordinary remedy indicates a deeper yearning for escape and clarity beyond normal means.
The character presents the narrator with a vial of striking violet-blue capsules, a new medication meant specifically for exceptional individuals, not the neurotic masses. This highlights the struggle of creative souls who often grapple with insomnia, seeking temporary respite to fuel their artistic existence. The capsules symbolize the tension between the desire for a fleeting escape and the quest for lasting creative insight.