Obsession is love. Love torments you from all levels of joy, sadnes and hate. In fact, Obsession is one of the underlining themes through out the the story of Swann in Love.  It shows the reader how feelings can start from nothing, to disgust and some how can blossom into love. Love, like how beauty is explained in the novel is interpreted and felt in many different ways. Swann and Odette’s  love/relationship is at one point represented through a chrysanthemum. I found it ironic that in Japan a chrysanthemum is symbolic for  the sun, the unfolding of the flower petals represent perfection, and Confucius once suggested they be used as an object of meditation.  It’s ironic to me, because i didn’t feel that Odette and Swann’s love was genuine. It was definitely configured through out the story, but based on superficiality and class. Eventually Swann does catch  real feelings for Odette, and thats when the torture begins because the two are playing this game. I feel like this game is relatable to an extent with my current life.