关键词: 纳博科夫, 《天赋》, 拟态, 进化, 叙事

Abstract: Nabokov incorporates, naturally and organically, literary criticism into the narrative and plot of The Gift, critiquing Darwin’s theory of evolution through parodies, pastiches, allusions, anagrams, symbols, dialogues and authorial intrusions, and expounding his unique views on imitation and evolution. Given its extensive coverage of numerous biologists and literary figures, The Gift has been regarded as a parody of the evolution history and a panorama of Nabokov’s literary criticism. A look into Nabokov’s critique of Darwin’s theory of evolution is an inevitable step in the study of his literary views and narrative art. By analyzing his use of various rhetorical devices, narrative voice, and authorial direct comment, this article attempts to explore how Nabokov converted the text of The Gift into a literary critique and integrated scientific ideas with poetic language all for the purpose of delivering a cultural reflection on Darwin’s theory of evolution reinforced by scientific inquiries and aesthetic deliberations.