Final words Quote by Marcel Proust
““But, don’t you see, since we happened to have M. de Cambremer here, and he is a Marquis, while you are only a Baron. . . . ” “Pardon me,” M. de Charlus replied with an arrogant air to the astonished Verdurin, “I am also Duc de Brabant, Damoiseau de Montargis, Prince d’Oloron, de Carency, de Viareggio and des Dunes. However, it is not of the slightest importance. Please do not distress yourself,” he concluded, resuming his subtle smile which spread itself over these final words: “I could see at a glance that you were not accustomed to society.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust, 1913
A character boasts an exaggerated list of titles to assert superiority, highlighting aristocratic vanity and social posturing.
In simple terms: Aristocratic vanity through title bragging.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emptiness of status bragging.
Themes
aristocracy
vanity
social hierarchy
pride
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- political salons
- status negotiations
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
class consciousness
identity performance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people use titles to gain respect?
- Can true influence be earned without status?
A Different Perspective
Such flaunting may alienate rather than impress.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
