The power dynamic between Swann and Odette is of particular interest in Swann in Love.  From the beginning the reader is told that Odette is a sort of call-girl (pg 366), much like the woman who visits the narrator’s uncle in Combray, the type of woman who makes an art of turning men’s words “into a jewel, a work of art, into something “exquisitely charming” (pg 107).  When the two first meet Swann finds Odette unintelligent and lacking in the beauty he so often desires, but in her willful attention towards him he begins to fall for her (pg 277).  In likening her to the paintings he admires he is finally able to see her as beautiful, but more than that, as a piece of art to collect (pg 318).

As their relationship develops more the language to describe Swann’s love for Odette is clearly about having power over her.  The narrator describes Swann’s feelings of wanting to ‘possess’ her, the ‘object’ which he has ‘mastery’ over.  Swann even uses manipulation tactics to gain her attention and submission as he writes letters specifically to rile up her emotions of insecurity and passion (pg 319).  But slowly a transition begins to occur in Swann’s behavior towards Odette.

There is an arc to Swann’s behavior in regard to Odette.  When their relationship begins he cares little for her passions or interests, and pushes his own interests on to her.  As evidenced with her piano music, he cares nothing for the piece she loves, but has her constantly play the one he enjoys (pg 355).  Swann often views her as lacking the ability to see or understand what he sees in certain works of art, and views her interests in certain plays as lowly.  The way she spends her days when not with him are even inconceivable, describing her daytime activities as “a life almost non-existent, since it was invisible to him” (pg 341).

Then a shift begins to occur.  Swann starts paying more attention to Odette’s life, and who she spends it with.  He throws himself wholly into whatever she thinks and enjoys, abandoning his own passions, in order to be closer to her (pg 349).  He even abandons certain friends and activities he enjoys more in favor of socializing with the Verdurin’s simply because they are an avenue for him to spend more time with Odette (pg 352).  He is investing more into her, no longer putting on his aloof mask or feigning indifference to attract her.

This role reversal of who is in power culminates at dinner with the Verdurin’s when Odette announces “Yes, I know you have your banquet tomorrow; I shan’t see you, then, till I get home; don’t be too late” (pg 385).  With that simple phrase Odette has made clear to everyone at the Verdurin’s the nature of her and Swann’s relationship.  The following paragraph has Swann reflecting on how superior he is to Odette, juxtaposed with his anxiety and insecurities about their relationship.  He continues to look down on her, saying that she is so far beneath him it isn’t even impressive to have conquered her.  This brings to mind the image of a large man bullying a small man with glasses; there is nothing heroic in his victory over someone who poses no challenge.  Yet, even in his victory Swann is not “secure” in his “absolute mastery” over Odette (pg 385).  He has begun to see that others want her, and his feigned indifference could cause her to leave him for those who show their love for her.  In the final lines of the paragraph he thanks her for “the pleasures which it was in her power to bestow on him,” and that “so long as his love should last and he remain vulnerable” it is in her power to protect him from these feelings of insecurity and jealousy(pg 385).

This role reversal continues to be more evident as Swann in Love continues and we see even more how Swann bends to Odette’s will.  Suddenly now it is her that is too busy to see him, where previously she was always free for him. In order to remain secure in his position with Odette he sends her more money each month to ensure that she knows he loves her.  Throughout this time Swann still is of the mindset that it is he who has power over who Odette throws parties with, and what events she can receive invitations to.  Ultimately though, she has succeeded in getting him to willingly fund her lifestyle.  They have shifted roles.  It is now Odette who is aloof and towards Swann; it is Odette who determines where Swann is and isn’t allowed when she is out in public.  In an attempt to gain power over Odette, Swann has given her power over himself.

Work referenced

In Search of Lost Time, Vol 1; Swann’s Way.  Marcel Proust.