Swann's Way

    I particularly enjoyed this week's reading, especially his fresh narrative style. It allowed me to dive deep into my thoughts and emotions when looking at the characters. The way Proust uses super-rich descriptive language quickly describes feelings I have but was never able to express myself verbally. It's as if he has tapped into the depths of myself, giving words to the inexpressible. Through his extraordinary talent, Proust has transported me to a world where every sentiment and sensation is tangible.

    I also highly enjoyed the themes of memory and time. As someone who is inherently sentimental, the exploration of these concepts stood out to me. Additionally, love, obsessions, and desires have always ignited my genuine curiosity. I was captivated by how Proust skillfully weaved these themes into the narrative. As a passionate lover of psychology, the exploration of the human psyche intrigued me. Proust's in-depth analysis and portrayal of the conflicting and sometimes irrational nature of human emotions provided valuable insights into the complexities of psychology. As a major in psychology, I have encountered various depictions of human behaviour, but Proust's work stands out for its deep understanding and representation of the human mind. He fearlessly embraces the conflicting nature of emotions, giving voice to the unspoken and providing a glimpse into the complex depths of human consciousness.

    A quote that stood out is, "I have every useless thing in the world in my house there. The only thing wanting is the necessary thing, a great patch of open sky like this. Always try to keep a patch of sky above your life, little boy," he added, turning to me. "You have a soul in you of rare quality, an artist's nature; never let it starve for lack of what it needs." The first part speaks on how you can have a lot of material [possessions in your life, but it doesn't fulfil the deeper needs of the human psyche. I also believe an "open sky" represents the need for freedom, space, and connection with oneself and nature. I think Proust suggests that amidst life's complexity, we should strive to maintain a connection with fundamental, simple, and vital aspects of life. Lastly, the recognition of being one of a kind, just as art and artists are, made me smile. The advice to "never let it starve for lack of what it needs" suggests that individuals with artistic tendencies, like myself, or deep souls should nourish their inner selves with what truly matters. 

My question for you all is: How does Proust's exploration of these themes grow your understanding of human psyche, and do you see similarities or differences between his insights and your own observations in the real world?