For the large herd of themes in this book, "exile" might be the one at the head of the pack. In "Speak, Memory," the family's exile sits at the emotional core of the book. In 1917, when Vladimir's liberal father's political party loses the power they had, the Nabokovs leave St. Petersburg, never to return. For Vladimir, it's the shift that makes him sit up and think about what it means to be a Russian away from Russia, a writer away from his home. The senses of longing, loss, and transformation definitely seem to drive much of the tension in this book.
Questions About Exile
- How did being exiled change Vladimir's attitude toward writing?
- How did exile change the relationships between the Nabokov family members?
- How were Vladimir's brothers Sergey and Kirill affected by the family's exile?
- There are two major-ish geographical shifts for Vladimir: one when he leaves Russia, and another when he leaves for the states.
- What's the emotional difference between exile and escape?
Chew on This
Since the Nabokovs were forced to leave their home and country, Vladimir is forced to find a different way to discover who he is, and what he wants his life to be.
Vladimir's mother is reduced, not only in station but in spirit, after having to leave Russia.