The text reflects on a character's inability to confront uncomfortable realities, using a striking metaphor about soldiers in a disturbing scenario. Instead of facing the harsh truths, the character seeks a way to shield himself from the painful sight by metaphorically covering a girl's face, suggesting a desire for detachment while still partaking in an unpleasant experience. This highlights the theme of avoidance versus the confrontation of reality.
Nabokov's writing evokes a sense of dark irony, illustrating how individuals sometimes prefer delusion over the stark truth. The reference to Hamburg suggests a place—or state of mind—that is foolish for its denial. The passage critiques the human tendency to seek comfort in ignorance rather than facing the consequences of actions and events, encapsulating a complex interplay between desire, detachment, and moral reckoning.
