Books of Some Substance 84 - Marcel Proust's Swann's Way (In Search of Lost Time #1)
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May 1, 2022 Dive into the world of Marcel Proust's masterpiece with engaging discussions on memory and sensory experiences. Explore the iconic madeleine moment that unravels the themes of involuntary memory. The hosts humorously dissect Swann's obsessive love for Odette, illustrating the complexities of social standing and childhood infatuations. Enjoy lively debates on Proust's modernist techniques, memory's role in shaping regret, and the comedic elements within the text. A captivating exploration of how the past intertwines with the present awaits!
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Memory Reshapes Narrative Truth
- Proust blends deep interiority with social detail to blur who is remembering and who experienced events.
- That blending is an early modernist move that uses memory to reshape narrative truth.
Senses Collapse Time
- Proust uses recurring sensory triggers (madeleine, music) to show how involuntary memory collapses time.
- These triggers reveal inner worlds that outlast material life.
Swann's Obsessive Love Loop
- David and Nathan recount the 'Swann in Love' section as both tedious and brilliant, centering on obsessive loops and a musical motif.
- They note the section ends with Swann's wry realization that he'd wasted years on an unsuitable love.
