Nemes Zsolt: Lolita: That dangerous euphemism, Part 4

In this series we have looked at two tracks of euphemism in Lolita. I use a wider definition of euphemism, than a socio-linguistic phenomenon: something that both undermines and reinforces a social taboo. Taboo is a topic not to be expressed – a gap – in social language (including every instance of social/public interaction). Euphemism…

Nemes Zsolt – Kohlhouse Walker

It is not true. Coalhouse is not Kohlhaas. And never will be, as Doctorow is not Heinrich von Kleist. Still, the most complex character of Ragtime, by his name, deeds and fate resembles Kleist’s hero, Michael Kohlhaas. This is why I am going to explore the equivocal relation between them. Coalhouse is a name no…

Nemes Zsolt – Procrustes in Moldova

It’s awfully nice to do the unthinkable to yourself. Being a very adaptive personality I ventured to spend the spring semester in the Republic of Moldova. In Greek mythology, Procrustes was a bandit, who offered shelter to travelers and, once they accepted, took them to his bed, in which they had to fit. If the…