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Communication Quote by Marcel Proust

“I should count myself most fortunate..." Swann was beginning, a trifle pompously, when the Doctor broke in derisively. Having once heard it said, and never having forgotten that in general conversation emphasis and the use of formal expressions were out of date, whenever he heard a solemn word…” quote by Marcel Proust
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““I should count myself most fortunate..." Swann was beginning, a trifle pompously, when the Doctor broke in derisively. Having once heard it said, and never having forgotten that in general conversation emphasis and the use of formal expressions were out of date, whenever he heard a solemn word used seriously, as the word 'fortunate' had been used just now by Swann, he at once assumed that the speaker was being deliberately pedantic. And if, moreover, the same word happened to occur, also, in what he called an old 'tag' or 'saw,' however common it might still be in current usage, the Doctor jumped to the conclusion that the whole thing was a joke, and interrupted with the remaining words of the quotation, which he seemed to charge the speaker with having intended to introduce at that point, although in reality it had never entered his mind. "Most fortunate for France!" he recited wickedly, shooting up both arms with great vigour.””

Marcel Proust

About This Quote

Source Novel: In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1, 1913

The narrator perceives a sarcastic, pedantic reaction to a formal expression of fortune.

In simple terms: A sarcastic comment on a formal word.

Key Takeaway

Recognize sarcasm in social cues.

Themes

literature irony language social nuance

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • reading comprehension
  • social interaction
  • academic analysis

Key Concepts

sarcasm formal language misinterpretation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does sarcasm affect communication?
  • When is formal language appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Interpretation may vary with cultural context.

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