"Invitation to a Beheading" by Vladimir Nabokov presents a profound reflection on the nature of existence and identity. The phrase "Measure me while I live - after it will be too late" emphasizes the urgency to understand and evaluate a person’s essence during their lifetime. It highlights the ephemeral nature of human experience and the importance of recognition before death renders such assessments obsolete.

Nabokov's narrative invites readers to consider the complexities of individual identity against the backdrop of societal norms. The protagonist's plea for acknowledgment serves as a poignant reminder that once a life ends, the opportunity for genuine understanding and connection diminishes, underscoring the value of living in the present and the need to appreciate others while they can still be observed and understood.