The spiral is a spiritualized circle. In the spiral form, the circle, uncoiled, has ceased to be vicious; it has been set free.
The quote discusses the concept of the spiral as a spiritually transformed version of a circle. It suggests that while a circle can imply a repetitive or closed nature, the spiral represents liberation and growth. The uncoiling of the circle signifies a movement away from a confining loop to a more dynamic and expansive form. This transformation embodies the idea of freedom and evolution in spiritual or emotional terms.
Nabokov’s metaphor...