In ROTP, Proust makes many references to the art of photography. In his mind, this art form is not perfected and lacks many of the qualities other works of art have. I cannot wholly agree with this argument. Photography has the ability to represent to represent reality in ways other art forms lack completely. Proust finds that "a photograph acquires something of the dignity which it ordinarily lacks when it ceases to be a reproduction of reality and shows us things that no longer exist" (821). But don't all photographs represent a moment in time which can never be recaptured? Even if the person continues to live or the structure continues to stand, it will never be as it was in that moment.
Proust writes that "children have always had a tendency either to depreciate or to exalt their parents" (828). In today's society, this seems especially true. Children do change the priorities and lifestyle of parents. The responsibility of parents is very great: they have the opportunity to mold a child into a responsible adult. Each child is born with their own personality, and it the duty of parents to ensure the child does not grow up without restraints believing they are the center of the universe. Many parents cater to a child's world; these individuals grow up selfish and with entitlement issues. To my own parents, I am grateful for your love and support. With your example, I was taught to be aware of the world and to give to others freely. I am not the most important person in the world, and I am quite all right with that. If I can improve the world in some small way, I have completed my task. I apologize for my tangent.
My reading of Proust seems to have come to a standstill. I have finished the first thousand pages, but cannot force myself to continue. Perhaps in the winter I'll finish the remainder, but for now I want to read something a bit lighter,
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