Baudelaire and Proust the symbolistic technique as applied to the novel. An attempt to discover how far Proust may be considered an exponent of symbolism, with special reference to his affinities with Charles Baudelaire

Abstract

The Symbolistic technique as applied to the novel. A consideration of Marcel Proust, as exponent in the novel of some of the themes dear to Symbolism, and, before the Symbolists, to their precursor Charles Baudelaire. In treatment of all these themes of memory, synesthesia, and music; symbol, liturgical symbolism, and mysticism: Time, and dreams; he shows close affinity with Baudelaire, and varying degrees of affinity with Symbolism proper, but everywhere he makes the novel a flexible instrument for expression of subject matter, and use of technique, hitherto considered the domain of poetry and the other arts, such as music, even the province of metaphysics (time) and psycho-analysis (sleep and dreams, memory and synesthesia).<p