Meeting Proust on 'Swann's Way'

Every reader finds himself. The writer's work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have seen in himself. -Marcel Proust

Who hasn’t gazed at this mountain of Modernism and felt daunted or wondered what could possibly take any writer 3,000+ words and six or seven volumes to say? In our study, we will enter into the Proustian universe through the first volume: this will give readers a glimpse of the breadth and purpose of this carefully constructed universe that Proust uses to reflect on the workings of the mind, memory, imagination and the role of art. Harold Bloom cites ISOLT as the greatest literary work of comic jealousy. Proust uses social critique, abundant detail, lyric descriptions and philosophical query to portray a sensitive young mind engaging with the world and human relationships. The narrator’s incredible vision and unique voice develop over the course of the volumes. By studying this first volume, you will have the tools to complete the epic on your own if you are inspired.