Swann's Way Read-along, Week 7

Swann's big night out

Hi friends,

Boy, was there a lot going on this week. I think this was my favorite section yet, for the sheer amount of drama alone! This section really could have been split into two, because the second half warrants at least another whole post of its own if not two. But alas, there is only so much time and I need to go pack for an international flight, so let’s dive in.

Recap:

A majority of this section is taken up by Swann’s big night out in high society at the Marquise de Saint-Euverte’s (more on that below). Being still so wrapped up in his own private suffering, Swann can more easily detach and observe the goings-on of the party. The main entertainment is a concert, and the appearance of Vinteuil’s “little phrase” takes Swann by surprise and brings him to the realization that Odette will never love him again like she used to. Later, Swann receives an anonymous letter outlining all of Odette’s infidelities, including accusing her of sleeping with women and working with procuresses. Upon questioning, he learns that it was mostly true! Odette was also sleeping with Forcheville as he suspected, and she has also slept with women. Swann continues to spiral and ultimately decides to get out of the city and return to Combray, closing this chapter out with an iconic final dig at Odette that made me snort:

“To think that I’ve wasted years of my life, that I’ve longed to die, that I’ve experienced my greatest love, for a woman who didn’t appeal to me, who wasn’t even my type!” (p. 378)