In this excerpt from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov, the narrator reflects on the difference between the romanticized past and the modern era. The speaker muses that in a historical context like 1447, they could have concealed their malicious intentions with the subtlety of a poison, akin to the enchanting and deceitful schemes often found in tales from aristocratic times. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for a world where treachery could be hidden behind elegance.

However, the narrator acknowledges that in the contemporary world of 1947, such subtleties are no longer feasible. The complexities of modern life and societal norms have transformed wickedness into a more clinical endeavor, requiring scientific knowledge to carry out harmful actions. This highlights not only a shift in morals and methods but also underscores the tension between desire and the constraints of an increasingly scrutinized society.