Proustian Passions'This is one of those landmark studies after which
it will be difficult to read Proust in the same way again.' (French Studies) 'Such engaging of ethical questions addresses a strange critical gap, as we realize how urgently Wassenaar's questions need to be posed.' (TLS) 'Proustian Passions represents a major, original achievement.' (MLN) Proustian Passions, published by Oxford University Press in 2000, is an in-depth investigation of the way self-justification works. It is based on close reading of Marcel Proust's A la recherche du temps perdu. It argues that Proust isn't all about Madeleines and memory. It's a deep investigation of why we justify ourselves, all the time, in trying to find fulfilment, achieve our ambitions, and even in trying to feel the right things about ourselves and other people. Proust is a particularly good exponent of self-justification: he sees its humour, the way it helps smooth over awkward social situations, but also how it is connected to our deepest fears and obsessions, the things we most want to conceal, and how self-justification is often at the heart of the negative judgements we make about others. Understanding how self-justification works gives us powerful tools to negotiate modern living. Self-justification is a fundamental expression of insecurity, and one we often use to mask our true desires (even to ourselves). We can use this knowledge both to become happier in ourselves, but also to integrate better into our communities and wider society, and help others to do the same. But it is hard work, and involves making difficult choices, which it is easier to shy away from and poke fun at. We need a great deal of support to stop justifying ourselves. Parts of Proustian Passions were republished by Harold Bloom in Marcel Proust: Bloom’s Major Novelists, ed. Harold Bloom (Chelsea House Publishers, 2002; reprinted 2004). Marcel Proust: A Beginner's GuideThis guide to how Marcel Proust's A la recherche du temps perdu works is intended to support readers approaching this formidable novel for the first time.
It sets out to explain the novel's complex structure, and demonstrate the way Proust uses a first-person narration. There is a complete synopsis, together with an analysis of Proust's main themes and obsessions. The guide finishes by making links with contemporary ways of reading and critiquing novels. The reader should emerge armed with more confidence in her own powers of curiosity, and ready to go back to Proust with relish (Hodder, 2000). |