In Vladimir Nabokov's "Pale Fire," the depiction of modern Russian ideas is likened to machine-cut blocks of solid color, suggesting a lack of diversity and complexity in thought. This imagery conveys a culture where subtlety and nuance are suppressed, resulting in a rigid intellectual landscape. The reference to outlawing nuance points to the oppressive nature of societal norms that discourage varied perspectives. Moreover, the metaphor of an interval being walled up implies a stifling of space for contemplation and creativity. The description of curves as "grossly stepped" suggests an artificiality in expression, where natural fluidity is replaced by sharp, unnatural angles. This critique highlights the consequences of a controlled and homogenized intellectual environment, showcasing how such a setting can diminish the richness of human thought and expression.

In Vladimir Nabokov's "Pale Fire," the depiction of modern Russian ideas is likened to machine-cut blocks of solid color, suggesting a lack of diversity and complexity in thought. This imagery conveys a culture where subtlety and nuance are suppressed, resulting in a rigid intellectual landscape. The reference to outlawing nuance points to the oppressive nature of societal norms that discourage varied perspectives.

Moreover, the metaphor of an interval being walled up implies a stifling of space for contemplation and creativity. The description of curves as "grossly stepped" suggests an artificiality in expression, where natural fluidity is replaced by sharp, unnatural angles. This critique highlights the consequences of a controlled and homogenized intellectual environment, showcasing how such a setting can diminish the richness of human thought and expression.