Swann's Way by Marcel Proust (1913)
Swann's Way is the first volume of Marcel Proust's seven-part novel, In Search of Lost Time. It is a semi-autobiographical work, narrated by the protagonist, Marcel, as he reflects on his childhood memories and experiences. The novel begins with Marcel's memories of his childhood in Combray, a small town in France. He remembers his family, his friends, and his love for the local church and its gardens. He also remembers his fascination with Swann, a wealthy and sophisticated man who lives nearby. Marcel's memories of Swann lead him to reflect on the nature of love and the power of jealousy. He remembers Swann's love for the courtesan Odette, and how it eventually leads to his downfall. The novel also explores the themes of memory, time, and the power of art. Marcel reflects on how his memories of the past shape his present, and how art can capture and preserve moments of beauty and emotion. Swann's Way is a complex and multi-layered work that is considered to be one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. It is a timeless exploration of the human experience, and a powerful meditation on the nature of love, memory, and art.
By Marcel Proust · First published 1913 · Genre: Modernist Literature, Realism, Romance · 4 chapters · 184,374 words
First lines
For a long time I used to go to bed early. Sometimes, when I had put out my candle, my eyes would close so quickly that I had not even time to say "I'm going to sleep." And half an hour later the thought that it was time to go to sleep would awaken me; I would try to put away the book which, I imagined, was still in my hands, and to blow out the light; I had been thinking all the time, while I was asleep, of what I had just been reading, but my thoughts had run into a channel of their own, until I myself seemed actually to have become the subject of my book: a church, a quartet, the rivalry between Francois I and Charles V. This impression would persist for some moments after I was awake; it did not disturb my mind, but it lay like scales upon my eyes and prevented them from registering the fact that the candle was no longer burning. Then it would begin to seem unintelligible, as the thoughts of a former existence must be to a reincarnate spirit; the subject of my book would separate itself from me, leaving me free to choose whether I would form part of it or no; and at the same time my sight would return and I would be astonished to find myself in a state of darkness, pleasant and restful enough for the eyes, and even more, perhaps, for my mind, to which it appeared incomprehensible, without a cause, a matter dark indeed.
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Swann's Way is listed on Textopian as a novel by Marcel Proust, dated 1913 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Marcel Proust
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Modernist Literature, Realism, Romance, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 184,374 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 994 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Modernist Literature — Swann's Way is a novel by Marcel Proust, a French author who is considered to be one of the most influential figures in modernist literature. The novel is a part of Proust's larger work, In Search of Lost Time, and is known for its intricate and detailed writing style, which is characteristic of modernist literature.
- Realism — Swann's Way is a realistic novel that focuses on the everyday lives of its characters. Proust's writing style is often described as 'realistic' and 'naturalistic', as he uses detailed descriptions of the characters' thoughts and feelings to create a vivid and realistic portrait of their lives.
- Romance — Swann's Way is a romantic novel that follows the story of the protagonist, Charles Swann, and his love for the beautiful Odette de Crecy. The novel explores the complexities of love and relationships, and the power of love to both bring joy and cause pain.
- Philosophical Fiction — Swann's Way is a philosophical novel that explores themes such as memory, time, and the nature of reality. Proust's writing style is often described as 'philosophical', as he uses intricate and detailed descriptions to explore the complexities of the human experience.
Tags
19th century · Autobiographical fiction · Fiction · France · Social life and customs · Villages · aunt · combray · day · days · evening · eyes