Tag Archives: blogs

Marcel Proust’s Week

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Marcel Proust’s “Combray” initially struck me as being both perplexing and full of long phrases that never seemed to finish, but it was also replete with wonderful images that allowed my imagination to go wild. In all honesty, even though it sounded like the author was making some deep points, I completely missed them. After reading some of the sentences again, I was able to understand what he was saying. I found particular value in the narrator’s comment on his sleep patterns and the ideas that crossed his mind during his formative years. The town of Combray turns into a microcosm of time and memory as the narrator muses on his history. 

Childhood and memory were one of the book’s central topics. The way Proust portrays social dynamics in “Combray” provides insights into the aristocratic circles he was raised in. Proust’s firsthand experiences among the upper echelons of French society served as inspiration for the novel’s complex relationships, social customs, and character interactions.  Proust’s own childhood is captured in the story, along with the subtle interaction between his early experiences and uncontrollable recollections. The town of Combray transforms into a little representation of memory and time as the storyteller reflects on his past. 

The use of visuals on the first page caught my attention right away. I could clearly picture everything the author was attempting to convey throughout the whole book. His description of the stained-glass windows is an excellent illustration of this. I found it quite lovely when he described how the light coming through the glass changed with the seasons, forming various forms and hues that made the room appear to be in a different place even though it was the same, generating a feeling of unpredictability as the glass changed. Marcel’s bond with his mother struck out to me as another aspect that I felt was really natural. 

All this being said, Marcel is someone I can relate to. His desire for companionship, affection, and comfort resonates with me. The most important lesson I think I learned is how valuable memories are. The only thing you have left as time runs out are your memories. As a whole, I felt that this book made each word seem alive with excellent imagery and description. Visualizing the places mentioned and appreciating the book’s moments was enjoyable.

A question i’d like to ask is  How does this style of writing enhance the exploration of memory and time in the novel?

Hello world!

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Hey Everyone, my name is Toluwalope Ayedegbe Paul, which is a Yoruba name. Yoruba is a tribe that originated in Nigeria. I was born and raised in Nigeria till I was 13 and then moved to Toronto, then moved to Calgary in Junior high. I also attended a 2 year college in Cupertino California before I eventually transferred to UBC in fall 2023. When I moved from Nigeria to Canada, I found it easier to identify myself as KP because it is simpler than my original traditional name. The reason for my major choice is that as a second-year psychology transfer student, I find the differences in how each person’s body, mind, and brain function to be fascinating.

My interests are varied and include playing and watching sports like basketball, football, and soccer as well as watching TV shows like Big Bang Theory, Power, and The Boys. As a player for the UBC football team, my goal is to continue my professional career after graduation. I am enrolled in this course because it fulfills the literature requirement, and also because the syllabus describes the course’s curriculum as unique and engaging. My goal is to expand my knowledge base and extend my love of reading into the field of literature through this academic endeavor. Even if I didn’t think of myself as a reader before, my present passion for graphic novels and comic books has been the basis for my literary discovery. I want to take this course as a chance to sharpen my taste and learn how to read a wide range of literature, especially narratives. I’ve never been one to pick up a book on my own; instead, I’ve always relied on other people like parents or teachers to encourage me to read. As a result, I now associate reading with something unfavorable, and I only read when it’s required. I have had trouble finding the inner motivation to read a book on my own, even after making a lot of attempts.

My goal is to get above this obstacle, develop a passion for reading and novels that will last a lifetime, and build a strong bond with literature. I have a strong desire to try new things, whether it’s starting a new TV show or listening to a different kind of music. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of entertainment options I choose. As we read the books offered for this course, I can’t wait to discuss and learn from your varied viewpoints. Your distinct points of view promise to improve my reading experience as a whole and add to an enjoyable and fulfilling educational endeavor.