Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (Book Analysis) E-Book

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• Kategorie: Bildung
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• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 19

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

Unlock the more straightforward side of Swann’s Way with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust, the beautifully written first volume of Proust’s most famous work, In Search of Lost Time, which tells the parallel love stories of the narrator and Swann and laments the fleeting nature of youth. In Search of Lost Time is considered the definitive modern novel by many critics: it explores sensation and memory in a new way, notably with the ‘episode of the madeleine’, which can be found in Swann’s Way. On account of this astonishing work, Proust left behind a legacy that continues to inspire not only writers, but also many other artists from all over the world.
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This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
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Leseprobe

Marcel Proust

French writer

Born in Paris in 1871Died there in 1922Notable works:Pleasures and Days (1896), collection of narrative poems and short storiesIn Search of Lost Time (1913-1927), novel in seven volumesAgainst Sainte-Beuve (1954), collection of essays and narrative passages

Born in 1871, Marcel Proust was a major French writer of the 20th century. Winner of the Prix Goncourt in 1919, his main work, In Search of Lost Time (1913-1927), marked a revival of the novel. A chronicle of a society, that of the Belle Époque (years preceding the First World War), a description of the irregularities of love, and an aesthetic, philosophical and moral reflection, this work in several volumes astonished his contemporaries and continues to be a topic of great discussion.

Swann’s Way

At the heart of the Proustian world

Genre: novelReference edition: Proust, M. (1992) In Search of Lost Time: Swann’s Way. Trans. Scott Moncrieff, C. and Kilmartin, T. London: Chatto and Windus.First edition: 1913Themes: love, youth, writing, time, society

Self-published in 1913, Swann’s Way is the first volume of In Search of Lost Time. It is made up of three different sections. In “Combray”, the narrator recounts his childhood memories, his attachment to his mother and the first times he read. Characters appear who will feature prominently throughout the work, particularly Swann. “Swann in Love” traces Swann’s past life and his jealous love for Odette. Finally, “Place-Names: the Name” is a dream about the journeys that the narrator would like to take, but that his illness prevents him from doing.

Summary

Part One – Combray

Chapter 1

Bedtime: the narrator, after a preliminary reflection on waking up, sleeping and habits, describes the memories of his childhood at Combray. He therefore speaks about the drama of bedtime and anxiously awaiting the kiss of his mother, to whom he is deeply attached, the magic lantern that projected characters from legends onto the wall, days and evenings with his family, and visits from Charles Swann. The latter is presented both as a cordial neighbour and a worldly man; we understand, through veiled references, that he is in an unhappy marriage.