Pale Fire (1962) is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov. The novel is presented as a poem titled "Pale Fire" with commentary by a friend of the poet's. Together these elements form a narrative in which both authors are central characters.
Pale Fire has spawned a wide variety of interpretations and a large body of written criticism, which Pekka Tammi estimated in 1995 as over 80 studies. The Nabokov authority Brian Boyd has called it "Nabokov's most perfect novel". It was ranked at #53 on the list of the Modern Library 100 Best Novels.
The regular vulgarian, i daresay,
Is happier: he sees the Milky Way
Only when making water. Then as now
I walkked at my own risk: whipped by the bough,
Tripped by the stump. Asthmatic, lame and... more
The regular vulgarian, i daresay,
Is happier: he sees the Milky Way
Only when making water. Then as now
I walkked at my own risk: whipped by the bough,
Tripped by the stump. Asthmatic, lame and fat,
I never bounced a ball or swung a bat.