In "Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle" by Vladimir Nabokov, the protagonist's beauty is questioned, generating an air of uncertainty about her attractiveness. The narrator reflects on the complexity of her charm, suggesting that her allure is intertwined with feelings of frustration and emotional turmoil.
This duality of allure and exasperation points to a deeper thematic exploration in the novel. It challenges the conventional perceptions of beauty, suggesting that attractiveness can evoke both admiration and discomfort. The character's presence embodies a captivating yet torturous quality that complicates the notion of desire.