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

Odette’s apparent disinterest in Swann is accompanied by the Verdurins ostracizing him. They try to separate Swann from Odette so that she can spend more time with Forcheville. On one occasion, the Verdurins whisper about a social event in front of Swann, even though he has not been invited. He notes their tactless comments and labels the “sublime in their smugness” (203).

Swann realizes that the Verdurins have always been against him. He quietly seethes about the “perfect specimens of their disgusting class” (205) and decides that they have been practically selling Odette to Forcheville. Swann resolves to extricate himself from the social circle, believing that he has been debasing himself by associating with such people, even though he was a devoted friend to the Verdurins just half a day earlier. He confronts Odette that evening. He criticizes her for her amateurish, childish tastes, remarking that she has not grown or matured in the time that they have known each other. He claims that she is in thrall to those “contemptible creatures” (206), the Verdurins, and that she does everything they ask of her. When she says that she is attending a play that evening in the company of the Verdurins, Swann begs her to stay with him.