In this excerpt from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," the narrator reflects on his longing and memories, using vivid language to evoke both desire and a sense of nostalgia. The imagery of peeping through hedges suggests a yearning to glimpse the past, while the description of intimate actions conveys a mix of innocence and eroticism. The mention of a "nymphet's scent" indicates a deep and lingering connection to a youthful figure that haunts him, capturing the complexity of his emotions.

The setting of dark, decaying forests symbolizes the decay of time and lost innocence. As the narrator struggles with his feelings, there is a poignant tension between desire and despair. His journey through these memories is filled with a sense of urgency, emphasizing both the allure and the ultimately unattainable nature of his longing. Overall, this passage encapsulates the themes of obsession, nostalgia, and the often painful intersections between love and memory.