Blog
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – The enigma of the man
Unraveling the enigma of the man Marcel Proust behind the masterpiece Marcel Proust left an indelible mark on the literary world with his masterpiece, la Recherche (In Search of Lost Time, ISOLT). Yet, beyond his literary genius, Proust himself remains an enigma, a complex individual whose life and personality continue to fascinate and intrigue. Friends,…
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – A loving family
From the many letters Marcel wrote in response to the condolences received by the family following the death of Adrien Proust in 1903, we select a quote that testifies to his respect, love, and gratitude towards his parents: “Poor health (which I now bless for having given me the best years of my life) had…
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – 1896: Annus horribilis
The year 1896 marked a turning point for Marcel, bringing with it a series of personal and health setbacks that would profoundly impact his life. The passionate relationship with his first great love, Reynaldo Hahn, was stifled by Marcel’s possessiveness after an idyllic holiday in the Breton village of Beg-Meil. Hahn remained a lifelong friend…
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – Parental Vigilance and Marcel’s Self-Analysis
Parental Vigilance and Marcel’s Self-Analysis Following the dramatic asthma attack in 1891, Marcel Proust’s parents became increasingly vigilant about his health. His concerned mother transformed into a protective hen, instructing her son to meticulously record his sleep patterns, bodily functions, appetite, and digestion. This intense monitoring and Marcel’s own desire to understand his ailments led…
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – The Medical-Historical Context
The Medical-Historical Context: Asthma and Neurasthenia Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Adrien Proust made significant contributions to the field of medicine by editing seventeen handbooks on various medical topics, each providing practical guidelines for healthcare professionals. In 1896, a notable publication within this series was Dr. Edouard Brissaud’s book “L’hygiène des asthmatiques” (The Hygiene of…
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Marcel Proust, the person and his family – The Facts
A Glimpse into Marcel Proust’s Childhood The exceptional biographies by Jean-Yves Tadié3, William C. Carter4, and Roger Duchêne5 provide a combined 3,500 pages of information that help us view the life and person of Marcel Proust through the lens of facts. Little Marcel was a mama’s boy with a loving relationship with his younger brother…