Blogs

In the beginning, the narrator often switched between his dreams and reality. However, the excessive amount of transitions could be distracting to the readers. I personally found it distracting as I have to pay more attention to whether it's been switched to reality or to a different dream. Fortunately, it got easier to understand as the story progressed. The story became more focused and clear as it focused on one specific memory, which is the narrator's memories back when he was in Combray. 

One of the most vivid parts for me was how attached and close he is to his mother. The narrator would wait for his Mama to give him a goodnight kiss before he fell asleep. However, he is not able to ask for another one as his father, who found it absurd, would be irritated. It made me wonder if the fact of him not being able to sleep is due to the insecurity he has. As he is not able to ‘fulfill’ his attachment needs with his Mama.  

The other vivid part for me was “[...] lacking a confidant whom she could communicate with, she announced them to herself” (p.52). That part made my heart ache. After his aunt’s husband has passed, she has been in a state of grief. She has no one else to talk to which then gives her a habit of talking to herself/thinking out loud. 

When I first read this book, I noticed how he used a lot of descriptive words and comparisons which provided a lot of imagery to the readers. I am able to picture the memories the narrator had recalled while dreaming. I also wonder if the reason he drowned himself into his memories was because of nostalgia or perhaps because of his desire to escape from reality. My question for you is: Which part of his memories gave you the most vivid image? and Do you think there is a reason why he drowned himself into memories?