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

Marcel departs from his story to focus on how Charles Swann fell in love with Odette. Odette is a typical middle-class woman. She is socially ambitious, even if she is not from a prestigious family. Each night, Odette and her friends gather at the salon belonging to the Verdurins. The Verdurins host a painter, a musician, and a doctor among many others each night in their home. These guests flatter the Verdurins, suggesting to them that they are more important than they are. Odette is not regarded as anything more than an ambitious courtesan, though she delights Mademoiselle Verdurin. Swann, whose pursuit of women has earned him a reputation for indiscretion, is invited to the salon. The first time that he meets Odette, he finds himself indifferent toward her. He is not moved by her beauty. However, he learns that she is attracted to him. With this information, he decides to watch her more closely. A friend suggests to him that Odette will be impossible to seduce. Now regarding Odette’s affection as a challenge, Swann feels himself falling for her.

Swann makes a good impression at the Verdurins’ salon; he is an expert on how to raise himself in French society.