In Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Pale Fire," the protagonist grapples with the notion of freedom and the existential dilemma of belief. The quote, "No free man needs a God; but was I free?" reflects a profound questioning of autonomy and spirituality. It suggests that true freedom might negate the dependence on a higher power, yet it raises the critical awareness of whether one is genuinely free or shackled by their own perceptions and societal constructs.

This introspective line reveals the tension between personal liberty and the search for meaning. It invites readers to ponder the boundaries of freedom, particularly in the context of faith and the influence of higher entities on human existence. Through this philosophical lens, Nabokov challenges us to reflect on our personal definitions of freedom and the factors that may constrain or enhance it.