Throughout the novel Lolita, readers have viewed Humbert Humbert's heinous actions towards Lolita with condemnation and disgust. However, even though he is notorious for his disgusting crimes, at some point readers will unknowingly realize that they have begun to sympathize with Humbert's actions. Lionel Trilling once said: "We are all the more shocked when we realize that in the course of reading the novel we have come to turn a blind eye to the violation it presents - we have been induced to be complicit in the violation, because we have allowed our fantasies to accept what we know to be revolting. As we have accepted the repugnant actions of Humbert Humbert with indulgence, we have authorized his actions and we have taken his side, which obliges us to condone his immoral crimes. Nabokov's skillful ability to manipulate the audience into offering consolation with even Humbert Humbert's most egregious crime evoked a sympathy that practically complicated his transgression. In a sense, we have accepted his misdeeds towards Lolita even though, unsubtly, Humbert Humbert's monstrosity is prevalent throughout the novel. In order to approach Dolores, he played with Charlotte's feelings and, after her death, he claimed that it was "the miracle I dreamed of" (117). When Humbert Humbert brought Lolita to the hotel "Les Chasseurs Enchantés" after the death of her mother, it is obvious that Humbert Humbert is a delusional rapist who does not deserve the slightest compassion. The audience will sympathize with Dolores Haze, “who was robbed of her childhood by a maniac” (283). However, we also learn that Lolita was not as innocent as she is portrayed... middle of paper... not the absence of Lolita... but the absence of her voice” (308). At this point, Humbert is struck with guilt as he recognizes his impact on Lolita's life. We knew about Humbert's crime from the beginning, but he never managed to win Lolita's heart willingly, making us forgive his violations even after he fully admitted his crime. Undoubtedly, Humbert is a villain, but by sympathizing with him, we have unconsciously forgiven him for his wrongdoings. Humbert has always deeply loved and desired Lolita and throughout his time with her, he recognizes the depth of her immorality. What triggered our sympathy was his persistence in obtaining what he loved most and the revelation of his guilt, which he believed could never be forgiven. However, we, the readers, seeing that he sincerely feels guilty and castigates himself, makes us accept it.