ABSTRACT
Together with other systems of visual representation, Proust drew on photography as an element of literary style to portray perception and memory processes central to Marcel's conception and realization of his vocation as writer. An exploration of the recurrent use of the lexicon of photography, in metaphor, metonymy, and simile, to represent Marcel's perception and memory processes will help to ascertain the significance of such references to photography in the context of Marcel's developing determination to write. Throughout his life, when attempting to apprehend visually the things he values, Marcel's perceptual process is described through the lexicon of photography: Shattuck affirms that 'Proust drew on an incredibly rich repertory of metaphors. As in the passage concerning Gilberte, Marcel's anxiety stems from his belief that he lacks temporal control over his perception of La Berma. Watching her on stage, he cannot simultaneously capture and enjoy the experience.
