In Nabokov's "Lolita," the character Humbert Humbert exhibits a complex desire that reveals his deeper emotional conflicts. Although he is physically able to engage in relationships with women like Eve, his true yearning lies with Lilith, a symbol of a more profound and unattainable love. This distinction highlights Humbert's inner turmoil and the nature of his compulsions. His fixation on Lilith symbolizes not just lust but an idealized vision of women, one that he cannot practically attain.

This longing for Lilith over Eve signifies a broader theme of unattainable desires and the conflict between reality and fantasy in human relationships. Humbert's journey illustrates how desire can be shaped by ideals that are often unrealistic and destructive. Through this characterization, Nabokov critiques Humbert's obsession and the damaging effects it has on both himself and those around him, thereby deepening the narrative's exploration of love, obsession, and moral ambiguity.