Nabokov likely ranked great novels based on their literary craftsmanship. He was known for his attention to detail in writing, so he would have looked for the same in other works. For example, the use of language, such as rich vocabulary and unique sentence structures.
He might have ranked them according to their ability to create unique and vivid characters. In his own works, Nabokov created some very memorable characters. So, in other novels, he would value those that had characters with depth, complexity, and idiosyncrasies. For instance, a character who has a complex internal world that is gradually revealed throughout the story.
Nabokov may also have considered the originality of the novel's concept. A novel that presented a completely new way of looking at the world, like some of his own works did, would likely be ranked highly by him. He was always interested in exploring new literary territories, and he would have respected the same in other authors' works.
Nabokov was a complex and erudite writer. When it comes to ranking great novels, he probably considered multiple aspects. He was interested in the author's control over the medium, how the story was told rather than just what was told. Novels that had a distinct voice and a certain level of intellectual stimulation would likely be ranked well by him. His own works, such as 'Lolita', showed his penchant for exploring the darker and more complex aspects of human nature. So, he may have looked for similar qualities in other great novels. He might also have considered how a novel endured over time, its cultural significance, and how it contributed to the evolution of the literary form.
Some of the novels that Nabokov highly regarded might include 'Lolita'. It's a well - known and controversial work. The complex narrative and the exploration of the protagonist's psyche made it stand out in his view.
One criterion could be the originality of the plot. Nabokov might have ranked novels higher if they had a unique and unexpected storyline.
Nabokov wrote quite a few novels. But the exact number depends on how you classify some of his works. It's around 20 or so.
Nabokov's novels are full of literary allusions and complex words. For instance, in 'Pale Fire', the various academic and literary references can be used in crossword puzzles. If you've read the novel, you'll be more likely to decipher such clues. His novels' elaborate descriptions also introduce many words that could be crossword fodder.
Ninth Pin and Great Grandmaster were two realms in the fantasy novel " The Sword Snow Stride ", which was written by an online writer, Fenghuo Xi Zhuhou. In the novel, the difference between the two was huge. The nine grades were divided into lower, middle, and upper grades, corresponding to the Vajra Realm, Profound Finger Realm, and Celestial Phenomenon Realm respectively. A Great Grandmaster was at the peak of the First Stage Four Realms, and above that was the Land Immortal Realm. In the novel, a grandmaster could be said to stand at the peak of the martial arts world, possessing unparalleled strength and status. Although a Level Nine expert was also a top figure in the martial arts world, there was still a big gap compared to a Great Grandmaster. In the novel, after Xu Fengnian became the Prince of Beiliang, he was already a Level Nine expert. However, he was still a little powerless against a martial grandmaster like Deng Tai'e. This also showed that the gap between Rank-9 and Great Grandmaster was very large.
One of the best Nabokov novels is 'Lolita'. It's a controversial yet masterfully written work. Nabokov's prose in this novel is rich and detailed, exploring complex themes of love, obsession, and the loss of innocence. Another great one is 'Pale Fire'. It has a unique structure with a poem and a commentary that intertwine in an interesting way, showing Nabokov's creativity.
One characteristic is his unique exploration of human nature. Nabokov delves deep into the minds of his characters, often revealing their obsessions, desires, and insecurities. His characters are complex and multi - dimensional. Also, his settings are often carefully crafted, whether it's the European landscapes or the American backdrops in some of his works.
Yes, Nabokov dabbled in elements that could be considered horror - like in some of his works where there are disturbing psychological elements. For example, in 'Lolita', while not a traditional horror novel, there are elements of the horror of the inappropriate relationship and the twisted mind of the protagonist Humbert Humbert. His exploration of abnormal psychology and the dark sides of human nature can give a sense of horror in an intellectual and psychological way.
Nabokov was known for writing various types of fiction, including novels like 'Lolita' that are often characterized by complex language and psychological depth.