"Signs and Symbols" is a short story by Vladimir Nabokov, originally published in The New Yorker magazine in 1948. The story revolves around an elderly couple who receive a letter from their son, who is a patient in a mental institution. The letter is filled with references to various signs and symbols, leading the couple to believe that their son is trying to communicate something important to them. They set out to visit him in the hospital, but their plans are thwarted by a series of coincidences and mishaps. Along the way, Nabokov explores themes of communication, perception, and the nature of reality. The story is notable for its intricate and ambiguous narrative structure, as well as its vivid imagery and symbolism. "Signs and Symbols" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of short fiction and is often cited as one of Nabokov's finest works.
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