Foreword

The Foreword, written by the fictional John Ray, contextualizes the work we are about to read. Humbert Humbert, the protagonist, wrote in his jail cell Lolita, or the Confession of a White Widowed Male. Humbert died suddenly of a heart attack before his trial could start. Humbert's lawyer, C.C. Clark, has asked Ray to edit the manuscript, which Ray has agreed to do, although he does edit out some "tenacious details." He also mentions that Lolita's last name, Haze, is not her real last name, but has been changed to protect her. We learn that the crime for which Humbert would have been tried took place in September-October of 1952.

Ray goes on to mention that the book contains no obscenities, although some readers may be offended by the subject material, because the book hinges on scenes that may be considered, by some, to be obscene. Ray points out that on December 6, 1933, Judge Woolsey allowed Joyce's Ulysses to enter the United States, thus setting a precedent for the legality of literature that some may find objectionable. Ray also states that Humbert has an amazing ability to make us sympathize with him even though his actions are monstrous. He states that the book should be upheld as a type of warning to show the necessity of raising good children.