The affirmation of life beyond death according to Marcel PROUST.

Marcel Proust (1871.1922)

Autograph letter signed to Baroness Aimery Harty of Pierrebourg.

Four pages in-8°. Slnd. [early November 1916]

Kolb, Volume XV, pages 319 to 321.

“If later you could read my third volume you would see there on death or rather on this discord between the survival of the being that we no longer find near us and its apparent radiation from the universe, pages which will make you perhaps pain and good.   »

Proust is delighted with the article published on Paul Hervieu by Madame de Pierrebourg, a true manifesto of life beyond death.

____________________________________________________________

“Madame, Does a being really no longer exist who excites such burning pain? No, your cry is the most powerful affirmation of life, the most powerful protest against death.  If later you could read my third volume you would see there on death or rather on this discord between the survival of the being that we no longer find near us and its apparent radiation from the universe, pages which will perhaps make you -to be of pain and of good.

And I only dare to speak of “books” here because there can be such literature which is only the deeper examination of life and death, and which is therefore suitable for the afflicted. I was very moved that you took the trouble to answer me, very sorry for the fatigue that it must have been for you;  I did not expect that ; finding it too natural to tell you from time to time a part of my thoughts which are so frequent for you; and thinking that it was implied that I added, as one says orally to those who cry and to whom one leans gently: “Don’t answer me.”

My admiration for Madame your daughter and for Georges, my respectful sympathy for her, my tenderness for him, are further increased by this magnificent understanding and sharing and assistance of your pain. Tell them how much I am touched by it and please accept, Madam, my very respectful and very sad feelings. Marcel Proust. »

____________________________________________________________

Paul Hervieu, who died in October 1915, was the lover of Madame de Pierrebourg. The couple is buried in the same grave in the Passy cemetery.