C. Kunin: "Chaqu'un a son gout. But seriously. Read Galya Diment's book on Pnin then tell me I'm wrong. I find that Nabokov, like most artists, is engaged in a game of peek a boo. There is a need to hide, and a need to be found out that war with each other. Nabokov is an artist like any other, at least in this respect. As a chess cum riddle master, he love this game. My opinion, only, of course. Why play the game if you aren't willing to risk being found out? If you are only willing to win - don't play the game.". 

 

Jansy Mello: Thank you, Carolyn, for the indication and the link about Galya Diment's "Pniniad"  Your comments are awesome. 

Hide and seek by a chess cum riddle master is fun and most probably VN wanted to be found out  -  at least, to have his deliberate "plums" uncovered after a lot of detours and dancing around a fire.(mind you, no great risk in that !). However, there's a lot more in his novels besides fun and games.or crown jewels or expiation..