We all have such fateful objects - it may be a recurrent landscape in one case, a number in another - carefully chosen by the gods to attract events of specific significance for us: here shall John always stumble; there shall Jane's heart always break.
by Vladimir Nabokov
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In Nabokov's "Lolita," the author reflects on the concept of fateful objects, suggesting that everyone has particular items or places that hold significant meaning in their lives. These objects seem to be selected by fate or divine forces, leading individuals to pivotal moments or experiences. For instance, one might repeatedly encounter a landscape that invokes memories or emotions, while another might have a number that serves as a constant reminder of choices or events.

The idea is that these fateful objects create patterns in our lives, guiding our paths in ways that can be both enlightening and painful. Nabokov illustrates this concept through the characters, like John and Jane, who are subjected to the whims of destiny, leading to recurring misfortunes or heartbreaks. This notion invites readers to contemplate their own life’s dramas and the symbolic objects that seem intertwined with their personal narratives.

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