Lolita Book 1, Chapter 17 Summary

  • Humbert plays with the idea of marrying Charlotte to stay near Lolita, though such a notion is torture to him.
  • His thoughts turn to sleeping medication. He indulges the idea of drugging them both so that he can have his way with Lolita while Charlotte is out cold.
  • He tries to reach Charlotte at the camp but instead gets Lolita on the phone. He tells her he plans to marry her mother. Her response: "Gee, that's swell" (1.17.7).
  • As he awaits the arrival of Charlotte's blue sedan, Humbert begins drinking heavily.