There can be no emblem or parable in a village idiot's hallucinations or in last night's dream of any of us in this hall. In those random visions nothing – underline nothing {grating sound of horizontal stroke can be construed as allowing itself to be deciphered y a witch doctor that can then cure a madman or give confort to a killer by laying the blame on a too fond, too fiendish or too indifferent parent – secret festerings that the foster quack feigns to heal by expensive confession feasts {laughter and applause}.
In this excerpt, Nabokov explores the complexity and futility of interpreting dreams and hallucinations, emphasizing that they lack deeper meanings that can provide insight or solace. The notion is conveyed that the experiences of the 'village idiot' or ordinary people reflect a randomness that cannot be simplified into significant symbols. The underlying implication is that such visions might be misinterpreted by those who seek to find meaning, especially in relation to more intricate human experiences like mental illness or familial issues.
Nabokov critiques the idea that a witch doctor or healer can effectively interpret or cure the chaos of the mind, suggesting that their efforts can often lead to superficial comfort without addressing the real underlying problems. He uses humor and irony to spotlight the absurdity in these interpretations, highlighting that no amount of external validation or confession can truly unravel the complexities of human emotion and relationships. In this way, the text challenges readers to consider the limits of understanding and the often misguided attempts to offer clarity in a disordered world.
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