The Guermantes Way

Set against the backdrop of the Duc and Duchess de Guermantes's château, this volume explores the narrator's immersion into the elite Parisian salon culture. He navigates a vibrant social landscape filled with nobles and intellectuals, engaging in the sharp wit and intricate manners of the Guermantes. Key figures include Robert de Saint Loup, his mistress Rachel, the enigmatic Baron de Charlus, and the Prince de Borodino, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Parisian society that the narrator experiences.