I believe the poor fierce-eyed child had figured out that with a mere fifty dollars in her purse she might somehow reach Broadway or Hollywood - or the foul kitchen of a diner {Help Wanted} in a dismal ex-prairie state, with the wind blowing, and the stars blinking, and the cars, and the bars, and the barmen, and everything soiled, torn, dead.
The quote reflects the dreams and stark realities faced by a poor child who harbors aspirations of reaching glamorous places like Broadway or Hollywood. It highlights her limited resources, represented by the fifty dollars in her purse, suggesting that despite her meager means, she possesses a fierce determination. The mention of both the bustling excitement of potential stardom and the grim scenes of a diner underscores the contrast between hope and disillusionment.
Nabokov's vivid imagery paints a picture of a world that is both enchanting and desolate. The child seems to be caught between two extremes: the allure of fame and the harshness of everyday life in a decaying environment. This juxtaposition serves to illustrate not only her ambition but also the potential despair that accompanies such dreams when faced with the grit of reality. Ultimately, the quote speaks to the fragility of hope in the face of difficult circumstances.
