The word "reality" is often viewed as a complex concept that can only be fully understood in specific contexts or interpretations. In Nabokov's "Lolita," the use of quotation marks around the term implies a deeper, perhaps ironic, reflection on its meaning. It suggests that reality is subjective, shaped by personal perceptions and experiences rather than an absolute truth.

This notion resonates throughout "Lolita," where the protagonist's perspectives distort the narrative of reality itself. Nabokov challenges readers to consider how individual interpretations can redefine what is considered real, inviting a critical examination of moral ambiguities and the nature of truth.