In Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," a striking comparison is made between the character Dolores Haze and the revolutionary figure Jean-Paul Marat. The quote suggests that while Marat was a prominent figure in the French Revolution known for his radical actions and eventual assassination, Dolores lacks the same dangerous fate. Instead of embodying a revolutionary spirit, she represents the innocence and vulnerability that contrasts sharply with Marat's violence and turmoil. This juxtaposition invites readers to explore themes of innocence and the destructive nature of obsession.

The quote also highlights the isolation and lack of agency experienced by Dolores. She is portrayed as a victim of her circumstances, living in a world that exploits her youth and beauty without the means to resist. Unlike Marat, who ignited conflict and faced violent consequences, Dolores's struggles remain unrecognized and unresolved, reflecting the darker aspects of desire and power dynamics. Nabokov's work challenges readers to reflect on societal values and the costs of obsession that overshadow individual lives.