Proust, Class, and Nation

Edward J. Hughes analyzes how Proust, Class, and Nation connects Marcel Proust's work to class and national issues during significant historical events.

In Proust, Class, and Nation, Edward J. Hughes explores the intricate relationship between Marcel Proust's literary work and the socio-political issues of his time. The novel A la recherche du temps perdu was created during significant historical events, including the Dreyfus Affair, the Separation of Church and State, and the First World War. These events not only shaped the landscape of France but also influenced Proust's writing. Hughes delves into how these historical moments resonate within the narrative, illustrating the nuanced interplay between class dynamics and national identity.

Hughes draws on the observations of Julien Benda, who, in 1927, highlighted the detrimental effects of class-based politics and extreme nationalism on French society. Despite the prevailing ideologies, Proust emerged as a unique voice that challenged the narrow perspectives of his contemporaries. Through careful analysis, Hughes reveals how A la recherche du temps perdu reflects the tensions of its time while simultaneously offering a critique of the societal norms that sought to confine individual thought.

The book not only examines Proust's literary contributions but also situates them within the broader historical context. Hughes effectively argues that understanding Proust's work requires recognizing the impact of class and nation on his narrative. Ultimately, Proust, Class, and Nation invites readers to reconsider Proust's role as a radical thinker who navigated the complexities of his era with a playful yet profound approach to social commentary.