Swann's Way: In Search of Lost Time, Volume One

Life in Combray is somewhat depressing. Many of Marcel’s most pronounced memories concern his aunt. Aunt Léonie spends most days in bed, he says, in “an indefinite condition of grief, physical exhaustion, illness, obsessions, and religious observances” following the death of her husband (35). She is a hypochondriac who lists her medical problems to everyone to garner sympathy. Each morning, Marcel kisses his aunt and together they dip madeleines in tea. He remembers the details of the tea ceremony. Françoise the maid worked for Léonie for many years before working for Marcel’s parents. Françoise prepared food and shared with Léonie the happenings of everyone who walked past the house. Similarly, Léonie received her gossip about events at the local church from her friend Eulalie, who visited every Sunday after attending the service. Marcel loved the church in Combray. He remembers the gothic architecture, the stained-glass windows, and the tapestries, each of which told a story. In particular, Marcel loved the church’s steeple and the way it intersected with the Combray skyline. The tiles on the roof reflected a dizzying array of colors, depending on the time of day.