An analysis and comparison of “L?Immoraliste” by Andre Gide and “The Captive” by Marcel Proust.
In “L?Immoraliste” by Andre Gide and “The Captive” by Marcel Proust, neither main character attains his desire. This paper shows that the reason for each gentleman?s failure can be found in the theories of Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan. It explains that, according to the work begun by Freud and continued by Lacan, desire is forever elusive because the object of desire is continually non-existent. This lack of an object for desire is explored by applying the theories of Freud and Lacan to the works in question.
“The main desire of Michel, the narrator in L?Immoraliste is self-actualization and self-discovery. His own inner soul becomes his elusive Other. The problem however arises when circumstances devastate Michel’s original self, and another takes its place. It is interesting that Michel and Marceline’s positions as they relate to each other change progressively throughout the novel, as do Michel’s own disposition and desire. In the beginning of the narrative Michel is ill, and Marceline is healthy. These positions reverse as the novel continues. The hope of a new baby is lost with Marceline’s miscarriage and things basically deteriorate in Michel’s inner world as they do for Marceline’s physique.”