Author
Marcel Proust
1871-1922
Marcel Proust (1871-1922) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Marcel Proust
Du côté de chez Swann
"Du côté de chez Swann" by Marcel Proust is a novel published in 1913. This opening volume of Proust's larger work follows a narrator recounting his childhood in Combray, his attachment to his mother, and the walks his family took in two distinct directions. Through the famous madeleine scene, a taste unexpectedly unlocks vast memories of the past. The story explores themes of memory, desire, and social aspiration, introducing the character of Swann and the narrator's fascination with the aristocratic Guermantes family.
Swann's Way
"Swann's Way" by Marcel Proust is a novel published in 1913, the first volume of his seven-part masterwork "In Search of Lost Time." Through a narrator's recollections of childhood in late nineteenth-century France, Proust explores the revolutionary theme of involuntary memory. The volume includes the famous madeleine cake episode and "Swann in Love," a self-contained story of Charles Swann's passionate affair with Odette de Crécy. Initially rejected by multiple publishers, Proust paid for its publication himself, launching what would become one of the twentieth century's most influential novels.
The Guermantes Way
"The Guermantes Way" by Marcel Proust is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work is part of Proust's larger series "À La Recherche du Temps Perdu," exploring themes of memory, society, and the passage of time, primarily through the experiences of the narrator. The focus is on the intricate world of the Guermantes family, representing the French aristocracy and their cultural milieu. The opening of "The Guermantes Way" introduces a shift as the narrator reflects on moving to a new neighborhood, exploring the emotional landscape of his household, particularly that of their servant Françoise. Her discontent at leaving a familiar environment contrasts with the narrator’s contemplation of loss and nostalgia. Through vivid musings, the narrator reminisces about the significance attached to the name "Guermantes," and how it evokes a sense of nobility and magnificence linked to his childhood perceptions. He presents the complexities of social status and the weight of names, setting the stage for deeper explorations of identity and the elite society he wishes to understand.
Within a Budding Grove
"Within a Budding Grove" by Marcel Proust is a novel written in the early 20th century. It is the second volume in Proust's monumental work "In Search of Lost Time," focusing on the intricacies of love, memory, and social relationships. The narrative centers around the young narrator's experiences and encounters as he navigates his feelings for Gilberte Swann, the daughter of Charles Swann, amidst the backdrop of French society. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator's reflections on his family's dynamics and their social interactions, particularly concerning the upcoming dinner with M. de Norpois, a prominent diplomat. As the family discusses their social circle, we learn about Swann's current position and the societal changes he has undergone since marrying Odette. The narrator's lens reveals a complex web of relationships, highlighting his adolescent anxieties and aspirations, especially regarding the theatre and the significant actress Berma. With a blend of keen observations and poignant feelings, the text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of love and social pretensions in the world of the narrator and his acquaintances.
A l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs — Deuxième partie
"À l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs — Deuxième partie" by Marcel Proust is the second volume of "À la recherche du temps perdu" published in 1919. The narrator arrives in Balbec, a seaside resort, where he initially leads a solitary existence with his grandmother. Through encounters with aristocrat Robert de Saint-Loup and painter Elstir, he eventually befriends a group of young girls he has long observed from afar, including Albertine and Andrée, as romantic feelings and jealousies emerge.
A l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs - Première partie
"A l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs - Première partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel published in 1919. The narrator describes his Parisian relationships, including encounters with literary idol Bergotte and his first disappointing theater experience. He befriends the Swann family and falls for their daughter Gilberte, though their relationship gradually dissolves. Later, at the seaside resort of Balbec, he observes a group of young girls from afar, eventually befriending them and developing feelings for Albertine, leading to romantic complications and growing awareness of time's passage.
Les plaisirs et les jours
"Les plaisirs et les jours" by Marcel Proust is a collection of prose poems and short stories published in 1896. Proust's first published work features a preface by Anatole France and illustrations by Madeleine Lemaire. Drawing inspiration from decadent literature and the dandy Robert de Montesquiou, the collection includes tales of society life, tender stories, melancholic reflections, and portraits. The title echoes Hesiod's ancient work, transforming "Works and Days" into "Pleasures and Days," hinting at themes of desire, ambition, and fleeting beauty.
La Prisonnière (Sodome et Gomorrhe III)
"La Prisonnière (Sodome et Gomorrhe III)" by Marcel Proust is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work is part of Proust's monumental series "À la Recherche du Temps Perdu" and delves into themes of love, desire, and jealousy, particularly focusing on the complex relationship between the narrator and Albertine, a central figure in his life. The narrative intricately explores the subtleties of human emotions and the interplay between personal relationships and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, the narrator reflects on his life with Albertine, who has recently moved in with him in Paris. He vividly describes his perceptive awareness of the outside world, indicated by the sounds and sensations that reach him from his room. Their daily interactions are marked by a mixture of tenderness and distance, his feelings for her oscillating between affection and growing disillusionment. Furthermore, he grapples with his jealousy regarding her past and the relationships she may be continuing outside their shared home. The opening sets the stage for a deeper examination of his emotional turmoil as he navigates the boundaries between love, ownership, and the freedom of desire.
A l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs — Troisième partie
"A l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs — Troisième partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel written during the early 20th century, continuing the exploration of themes surrounding love, social class, and memory that are central to Proust's larger work, "In Search of Lost Time." The narrative delves into the intricacies of relationships, particularly the interactions of young men and women, revealing their psychological complexities and the social dynamics that influence their connections. The opening of this portion introduces a dinner gathering where the main character, accompanied by Saint-Loup, interacts with Bloch and his family. Through light banter and storytelling, the social nature of their relationships unfolds, highlighting the distinctions between perception and reality, particularly in how Bloch's admiration for his father leads to a mockery of his father's pretentiousness. As the night progresses, the young men’s observations also extend to a group of attractive young women, sparking a desire within the narrator that is both exhilarating and painfully unattainable. The text effectively captures a tapestry of youthful longing, humor, and the subtle dance of social interactions, setting the tone for deeper explorations of character and emotion throughout the work.
Le Côté de Guermantes - Première partie
"Le Côté de Guermantes - Première partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel written during the late 19th century. This work is part of Proust's larger masterpiece "À la recherche du temps perdu" and delves into themes of memory, time, and social dynamics in French high society. The narrative centers around the main character, who navigates his experiences and reflections in relation to the aristocratic family of the Guermantes, particularly focusing on their influence and the protagonist's fascination with their world. The opening of the book begins with a description of the discontent experienced by Françoise, a household servant, as she reflects on the move from a familiar residence to a new home, highlighting her deep emotional attachment to her previous living environment. The protagonist shares Françoise's sentiments and uses her feelings as a lens through which to explore their new surroundings, especially as they relate to the enigmatic Guermantes family. As he grapples with his shifting perceptions of names, memory, and societal status, he offers insights into the changes that come with moving to their vicinity and the allure that the name Guermantes holds in his imagination. Through rich, reflective prose, the narrative hints at a broader exploration of how identity and social interactions are intertwined with the passage of time.
Sodome et Gomorrhe - Première partie
"Sodome et Gomorrhe - Première partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel published in 1921. The narrator accidentally discovers Baron de Charlus's homosexuality, a revelation that transforms his understanding of society. At aristocratic gatherings and seaside Balbec, he observes hidden truths beneath elegant surfaces. His growing obsession with Albertine and suspicions about her relationships drive him into cycles of jealousy and doubt, while the Baron's manipulative affair with young violinist Morel unfolds alongside the narrator's own romantic turmoil.
Le temps retrouvé Tome 2 (de 2) : $b À la recherche du temps perdu vol.VII
"Le temps retrouvé Tome 2 (de 2) : À la recherche du temps perdu vol.VII" by Marcel Proust is a novel published posthumously in 1927. This final volume follows the narrator through wartime Paris, where he witnesses high society's transformation and discovers Baron de Charlus's hidden vices. After years in a sanatorium, the narrator returns to Paris, where sensory memories suddenly revive his desire to write. At a society gathering, he confronts the shocking reality of time's passage and decides to dedicate himself to capturing the lost past.
Sodome et Gomorrhe - Deuxième partie
"Sodome et Gomorrhe - Deuxième partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work is a continuation of the larger narrative in "À la recherche du temps perdu," exploring themes of memory, society, and the complexities of human relationships. The story revolves around the lives of various characters intertwined in the Parisian social scene, notably highlighting members of the Verdurin circle. The opening portion introduces readers to a journey involving the narrator and his encounters with fellow members of the Verdurin salon as they navigate social intricacies during their time together. The narrator reflects on the group's dynamics, emphasizing the exclusivity of their gatherings and the importance of status within their interactions. Various characters such as Cottard, Brichot, and the enigmatic princess are presented, each revealing traits that contribute to the richness of social commentary in Proust's narrative. The interactions aboard the train and the anticipation of an elegant dinner at Raspelière set the stage for an exploration of love, jealousy, and the complex layers of societal belonging.
Le Côté de Guermantes - Deuxième partie
"Le Côté de Guermantes - Deuxième partie" by Marcel Proust is the second volume of the third part of his novel series, published in 1921. The narrator reconnects with Albertine, uncertain whether his feelings are genuine love or mere nostalgia for Balbec where they first met. As their relationship resumes with its ups and downs, the narrator receives an invitation to an evening soirée at the Guermantes residence, where he discovers the refined world of aristocratic society and its sophisticated social dynamics.
Un amour de Swann
"Un amour de Swann" by Marcel Proust is a novel written during the late 19th century. The work delves into the intricacies of love and societal dynamics through the experiences of the protagonist, Charles Swann, as he navigates his infatuation with Odette de Crécy, amidst a backdrop of elite Parisian society and its peculiar rituals. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the exclusive social circle of the Verdurins, where adherence to their peculiarities and eccentricities is paramount for acceptance. The initial focus is on the Verdurins and their interactions, which set the stage for Swann's introduction into their group, specifically through Odette, a woman of mixed social status. We witness Swann's ambivalence, as he moves between the allure of the social dynamics crafted by the Verdurins and his personal longing for love, all while reflecting on his past experiences with women and music. This rich tapestry serves as a precursor to the deeper exploration of Swann's love for Odette and the complexities of his feelings that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Pastiches et mélanges
"Pastiches et mélanges" by Marcel Proust is a collection published in 1919. The work gathers literary pastiches and essays previously published in newspapers, primarily Le Figaro. The first section features nine stylistic imitations of renowned French writers—including Balzac, Flaubert, and the Goncourt brothers—all centered on a sensational 1908 diamond fraud scandal. The second section contains essays on war-damaged churches, cultural preservation, and reflections on art and reading, including Proust's preface to his translation of Ruskin's work.
Le Côté de Guermantes - Troisième partie
"Le Côté de Guermantes - Troisième partie" by Marcel Proust is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment continues the profoundly introspective journey of the narrator as he navigates his complex relationships with the aristocratic elite of Paris, particularly focusing on themes of love, desire, and social dynamics. Central to this part of the narrative is the anticipation of a dinner invitation with Madame de Stermaria, among other key figures, exploring the intricacies of human emotion and societal dynamics. The opening of this section establishes a sense of longing and obsession as the narrator grapples with his desire for Madame de Stermaria before their scheduled dinner. He reflects on the nature of desire and the mental games played in anticipation of romantic encounters. As the days leading up to the event stretch on, he is consumed by thoughts of their meeting and the contrasts between his past loves, particularly Albertine, and the fleeting nature of these affections. The detailed descriptions of the surroundings, coupled with his introspective thoughts, highlight the atmosphere of Paris' elite social life, setting the stage for further developments in his relationships and emotional landscape.
Le temps retrouvé Tome 1 (de 2) : $b À la recherche du temps perdu vol.VII
"Le temps retrouvé Tome 1 (de 2) : À la recherche du temps perdu vol.VII" by Marcel Proust is the seventh and final volume of his monumental novel, published in 1927 after his death in 1922. This concluding work brings together the narrator's lifelong journey through memory, time, and high society in France. As one of three volumes completed only in draft form, it contains unpolished passages edited by Proust's brother Robert. The volume represents the culmination of themes exploring involuntary memory and recollection that define this landmark of twentieth-century literature.
Albertine disparue Vol 1 (of 2) À la recherche du temps perdu, Tome 7
"Albertine disparue Vol 1 (of 2)" by Marcel Proust is the sixth volume of his seven-part novel, published posthumously. The captive becomes the fugitive as the Narrator confronts revelations about Albertine that force him to reconcile with his melancholy. Envy and distrust uncover unsettling truths, including Albertine's homosexuality. As former friends marry, the Narrator struggles against his own misery, attempting to mask his unhappiness with indifference while happiness continues to elude him in this meditation on loss and longing.
Albertine disparue Vol 2 (of 2) À la recherche du temps perdu, Tome 7
"Albertine disparue Vol 2 (of 2)" by Marcel Proust is a novel published posthumously in 1925. This penultimate volume of "In Search of Lost Time" explores the psychology of romantic suffering and the gradual work of mourning and forgetting. After Albertine's sudden departure and tragic death, the narrator struggles to bring her back, then slowly learns to forget. His journey takes him from desperate attempts at reconciliation through encounters with past loves to a poetic sojourn in Venice, ultimately leading to the realization that both love and youth must fade.