In Nabokov's "Despair," the author opens with a powerful motto: "Literature is Love." This statement sets the tone for the exploration of human emotions and the complexities that come with them. The idea suggests that literature transcends mere storytelling; it embodies the deep connections and passion that individuals experience in their lives.

By framing the narrative through this lens, Nabokov encourages readers to reflect on the interplay between love and the written word. This relationship may reveal unexpected truths about desire, identity, and the essence of being, as the characters navigate a world filled with both longing and despair.