Nabokov’s ‘Signs and Symbols’
with Katia Mitova
Kibbitznest Liberal Arts Discussions are a collaboration with
The University of Chicago Graham School
to host presentations and discussions of original research.
Due to limited space, RSVPs will receive priority seating.
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“Clouds in the staring sky transmit to each other, by means of slow signs, incredibly detailed information regarding him. His inmost thoughts are discussed at nightfall, in manual alphabet, by darkly gesticulating trees. Pebbles or stains or sun flecks form patterns representing, in some awful way, messages that he must intercept. Everything is a cipher and of everything he is the theme.”
We will engage in a close reading of Nabokov’s short story, “Signs and Symbols” (first published in the New Yorker, 1948), which continues to puzzle readers. Is there a key to its meaning? Some say, there are several possible keys; others suggest we should first try to find the lock of the story and only then search for the key. Let’s try to explore both possibilities together.
(Copies of the text will be provided for the discussion.)
KATIA MITOVA has been an instructor in the Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults at Graham School, University of Chicago since 1998. Currently, she is teaching a two-year course sequence on Nabokov’s Russian and English novels.
FREE & OPEN to the public
Sponsor: Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney
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