CALL FOR PAPERS – MLA 2027 – Los Angeles
The International Vladimir Nabokov Society seeks paper proposals for presentations on the following themes for the Modern Language Association’s Annual Convention (January 7-10, 2027, Los Angeles):
Nabokov in the ‘70s / Nabokov’s Afterlife
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nabokov’s death, we seek papers on the author’s late and posthumously published works (Transparent Things, Look at the Harlequins, The Original of Laura), his cultural significance in relation to the 1970s, and/or his continuing legacy/influence (“afterlife”), broadly conceived. Works treated may also include translations of novels and short stories or other works dating from the last decade in which Nabokov lived and wrote, or cinematic adaptations from the period (e.g., Fassbinder’s Despair from 1978). Please send 250-word proposals and a short bio to Christopher Link (linkc@newpaltz.edu) by March 20, 2026.
Nabokov, Freedom, and Anti-Authoritarianism
“Freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of art,” Nabokov once claimed, summed up his entire “political creed.” The IVNS seeks papers on the role of these—or other—freedoms, resistance to tyranny, emancipation, and related themes in Nabokov’s works. Since the convention theme of the 2027 MLA is “Emancipatory Narratives,” readings of any of Nabokov’s works (Lolita, Invitation to a Beheading, etc.) as “emancipatory” are especially welcome. In addition to papers treating matters of political or cultural freedom from tyranny, despotism, and authoritarianism, papers treating questions of academic freedom in relation to Nabokov are also invited. Please send 250-word proposals and a short bio to Christopher Link (linkc@newpaltz.edu) by March 20, 2026.
https://mla.confex.com/mla/2027/webprogrampreliminary/Session23941.html
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