* Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: This novel tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man obsessed with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames Lolita. The book is known for its controversial themes of pedophilia and sexual exploitation. It has been widely adapted for film and television, although its subject matter remains highly sensitive.
* The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley: This novel, written in 1953, tells the story of Leo, a young boy who becomes unwittingly involved in a love affair between two people of different social classes. The novel is known for its exploration of class differences, the complexities of relationships, and the power of memory. It has also been adapted for film and television.
Key Differences:
* Subject Matter: Lolita deals with the taboo and illegal relationship between an adult man and a child. The Go-Between explores a more conventional love story with an emphasis on social dynamics and the impact of childhood experiences.
* Age of Protagonists: The protagonist in Lolita is an adult male. The protagonist in The Go-Between is a child.
* Themes: Lolita primarily explores the dark themes of pedophilia, obsession, and exploitation. The Go-Between explores themes of class, social isolation, and the power of memory.
* Tone: Lolita is written in a sophisticated and sometimes darkly humorous style. The Go-Between is written in a more melancholic and introspective tone.
While both novels are considered classics of English literature, they are very different in their subject matter, themes, and tone.