I think one of the things that Proust is trying to get at is the movement inside society. The shifts of personal freedom, class freedom, and the burgeoning Art and Entertainment offerings that offer the promise of a better educated more integrated society built around intellectual discourse.
At the same time he presents the overarching vision of a society in transition we also peer into the life of a young man, somewhat befuddled by the changing world and, not fully insulated or educated successfully by his immediate family. We are given glimpses with subtle phrase and descriptive passages. The two together woven together create a pattern of seamless narrative.
On a note of personal concern, yes concern, the society that Proust chronicles, and the transition of said society, could, at any point in the future from his day, be what he states. Meaning that, as an example, the immediate times I live in offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunity not available to Proust or his protagonist yet the struggles of ignorance, aggressive behavior, rude and uncouth lives continue to manifest. The prejudice inside the hearts of men toward race, class, and religion is legion. Proust would be shocked to see the amount of available Entertainment and knowledge and the unalterable, overwhelming, narrow minded culture that we are surrounded by today.
I find reading these books and working in the retail setting jarring each day I go to work. I have had to make a conscious effort, to an even greater degree than normal, not allowing my own personal internal changes, brought about by my expanded understandings through the reading of Proust,to infiltrate my daily customer service offerings.
Now to go start my weekly baking projects - and read Proust.
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