Marcel Proust’s “Combrary” is focused on the memories and nostalgia of Marcel’s childhood. While reading this text I felt like I was lost at times in finding the connection behind his ideas. As he starts with describing his sleeping difficulties it’s almost like he goes in and out of these trances of sleeping and waking intertwined with disclosures of these memories. This back and forth of the past and present was unique although hard to follow at times.

One thing I liked about this book was the emphasized importance of his relationship with his mother. It is very clear he has a strong attachment and bond with his mother. This was evident to me when he mentioned how uneasy he felt that his mother did not say goodnight to him. Showing how such a small interaction in this relationship was meaningful and significant. Furthermore, when he describes his memories in Combray he states that he hated going to bed when his mother was not there with him. He also mentions how he wanted this unwavering attention from his mother and it upset him when he did not give that attention.

What I also found interesting is how much importance Marcel places on the memory of going to bed. It seems to be a recurring theme throughout his childhood and current state. Another thing that I found interesting was Mr. Swann’s character although he is mentioned several times and described to have a close relationship with Marcel’s family he is almost mysterious. He is described as having a suspicious marriage, withholding from expressing his opinion and not mentioning his connection.

Furthermore, one very intriguing character to me was Aunt Leonie. In the text, it is mentioned she has health problems but that’s all that is explained. To me, it seems Aunt Leonie has a serious psychological disorder. She sees people waving across the street, imagines her family burning in fires, refuses to sleep, imagines instances of theft, and has conversations with herself. I think this strikes me the most as someone interested in psychology and could be why this piqued my interest. It seems Aunt Leonie has schizotypal traits.

Overall, I found this book quite unique and different from other texts I have read before. This continued mix of the past and present was interesting to read but can be hard to grasp at times. The portrayal of family through the complexities of different relations and the memories Marcel holds with each person was something I enjoyed reading. I feel as if it almost represents the degree to which our perceptions are shaped by the relationships we have with others and how the past can reflect in our present ideas and identities.

My question for this week is: To what extent do you think memories can define your identity? Do you think they shape us in a significant way or are they simply recollections of past experiences?

• Childhood
• Memories
• Proust
• Relationships