Listening Eyes: Synesthesia in Vladimir Nabokov’s Pale Fire

Abstract

In this paper, I explain briefly the concept of ‘synesthesia’ from a cognitive perspective,
and its importance in the arts and in literature. I focus particularly on Vladimir Nabokov’s novel
Pale Fire. Three main issues are observed. First, the overuse of color and its importance in contrast
to achromatism. Second, synesthesia is explored as a vital influence on characterization of the
synesthete protagonist and the non-synesthete antagonist. Finally, the paper studies briefly the
impact of synesthesia upon creativity, identity and memory.