My Lolita
Explicit content warning
05/06/21 • 59 min
2 Listeners
At just 17 years old, Alisson Wood began a dangerous entanglement with a creative writing teacher at her school, who gifted her a copy of Nabokov’s Lolita. To hear “Mr. North” tell it, Lolita is the ultimate love story—a narrative the young Alisson bought into, until she grew older and learned to see the tale for what it really is: a grim account of predation and abuse.
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At just 17 years old, Alisson Wood began a dangerous entanglement with a creative writing teacher at her school, who gifted her a copy of Nabokov’s Lolita. To hear “Mr. North” tell it, Lolita is the ultimate love story—a narrative the young Alisson bought into, until she grew older and learned to see the tale for what it really is: a grim account of predation and abuse.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Family Secrets - My Lolita
Transcript
Family Secrets is a production of I Heart Radio. Warning. This episode contains discussion of self harm, grooming, and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised that summer was full of presents. It seems like every time I saw him was a celebration of me, of us. There were always drinks, There were always boxes, typed with bakery string, sometimes with candy or a pair of panties. He thought I would like or look gloss or grown up perfume. He sai
My Lolita Top Questions Answered
What are the signs of an inappropriate teacher-student relationship?
Signs of an inappropriate teacher-student relationship may include isolation, excessive attention, sexual advances, secrecy, and control over the student's future.
How did the speaker's experience with a teacher impact their life choices?
The speaker's experience with a teacher led them to become a teacher themselves and realize the vulnerability of students, emphasizing the need for support and awareness.
How long did it take for the speaker to realize they were a victim?
It took the speaker fifteen years to let go of the shame and recognize themselves as a victim of the abusive relationship with their teacher.
How did the speaker's experience affect their perception of the book "Lolita"?
The speaker acknowledges the beauty of "Lolita" while recognizing its problematic themes of rape, kidnapping, grooming, and pedophilia, making them view it through a critical lens.
What support is available for victims of teacher-student abuse?
There are various support services available for victims of teacher-student abuse, including helplines, counseling, support groups, and legal resources.
How did the speaker's parents respond to their late-night meetings with the teacher?
The speaker's parents didn't question their late-night meetings with the teacher, likely because of their previous struggles with depression and the perceived innocence of the relationship.
What impact did attending a therapeutic day school have on the speaker?
Attending a therapeutic day school helped the speaker regain their sense of pride in academics and provided a supportive environment during a difficult time in their life.
How did the speaker's experience shape their understanding of the harmful effects of inappropriate relationships?
The speaker's own experience intensified their anger towards teacher-student relationships and made them realize the potential harm that can occur, leading to a deeper understanding of the issue.
How did the lack of technology in the early 2000s contribute to dangerous situations?
The lack of technology in the early 2000s allowed for secrets and dangerous situations to occur, as communication and evidence could be easily concealed or go unnoticed.
How did the speaker's insecurities as a teenager influence their perception of power and attractiveness?
The speaker felt insecure as a teenager and believed that being sexually attractive was a source of power, which influenced their susceptibility to grooming and manipulation by the teacher.
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