NPPF Canto 1: 1-4 some random notes

[s~Z]

>>> the poem achieves its greatness from the ways it is misinterpreted and
mishandled by
the commentator.  <<<

Nabokov has written a poem, then made it incredibly difficult for any reader
of the poem to read it on its own merits. Kinbote says he has the last word,
and the assertion above agrees. Of course, even if we read it independently
of Kinbote's offerings, we are then left with our own offerings. Our own
forewords and commentaries. Does the poem achieve greatness from the ways we
mishandle and misinterpret it? Is there any value in reading the poem and
interpreting it without Kinbote's input? Someone down the street is making a
terrible racket with one of those gas-powered edgers.