In Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin," the author ponders the nature of sorrow and its significance in human experience. The quote questions why individuals should keep their grief private. It suggests that while people often share their joys and achievements, sorrow remains a deeply personal feeling that they may choose to guard closely.
Furthermore, the quote posits that sorrow is perhaps the one emotion that truly belongs to individuals. It highlights the idea that grief, in its raw form, is authentic and uniquely experienced by each person, emphasizing the intimate connection one has with their own suffering. By suggesting that sorrow is a personal possession, Nabokov draws attention to the complex relationship people have with their emotions.