Literary Geographies in Balzac and Proust

Literary geography is an essential aspect of the study of the novel, exploring how spaces interact in fictional worlds and the imaginary of physical space. It involves mapping place-names to locations and analyzing how characters are associated with specific places. This Element examines the literary geographies of Balzac and Proust as exemplary of realist and post-realist traditions of place-making in novelistic spaces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Literary geography is a vital component of the study of the novel, encompassing both its realist and post-realist manifestations. It goes beyond mere mapping of place-names to delving into the intricate interplay of spaces within fictional worlds and the imaginative portrayal of physical space through the eyes of characters. Literary geographers employ a range of tools, including literary cartography, to explore the relationships between places and how characters are connected to specific locations.

In the realm of realist literature, authors like Balzac and Proust exemplify the tradition of place-making in the novel. These writers meticulously crafted their narratives with a keen attention to detail, creating vivid and authentic representations of the places they inhabited. Through their literary cartography, they sought to convey the essence of these places and their impact on the characters and events that unfolded within them.

Balzac, for instance, was known for his meticulous portrayal of Paris in his works such as "La Comédie Humaine" and "Les Illusions Perdues." He depicted the city as a bustling hub of social and economic activity, where different classes and cultures coexisted in close proximity. Balzac's literary cartography helped to establish a sense of place and identity for the characters who lived in Paris, as they navigated through its streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks.

Similarly, Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" is a masterpiece of literary cartography, as he delves into the intricate details of the French countryside and its inhabitants. Through his vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, Proust creates a sense of place that is both intimate and expansive, capturing the essence of rural life and its connections to the larger social and cultural landscape.

Literary cartography, in essence, is a powerful tool for understanding place-making in the novel. It enables us to see how places are constructed, represented, and interpreted by the author, and how they contribute to the overall narrative and themes of the work. By analyzing the spatial relationships between characters and places, literary geographers can shed light on the complex dynamics of power, identity, and belonging that are often explored in the novel.

Moreover, literary cartography can also be used to explore the broader cultural and historical contexts in which the novel is set. By mapping the locations and movements of characters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political landscapes of the time and place in which the novel takes place. This can help us to place the novel within its broader historical and cultural context and to appreciate its relevance and significance to the reader.

In conclusion, literary geography is a crucial aspect of the study of the novel, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the spaces and places that shape the narratives. Through the use of literary cartography and geographical analysis, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex relationships between characters and places, and the broader cultural and historical contexts in which the novel is set. By exploring the literary geographies of Balzac and Proust, we can see how these authors have contributed to the tradition of place-making in the novel and how their works continue to resonate with readers today.

Weight: 131g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108994910
Edition number: New ed