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Why is Marcel Proust’s writing style described as Proustian?

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Portrait of French author Marcel Proust, seated with his hand resting thoughtfully against his chin, wearing a dark suit and looking directly at the camera. — Marcel Proust French author Marcel Proust wrote what is considered one of the supreme achievements of modern fiction, the seven-part autobiographical novel *À la recherche du temps perdu* (1913–27; *In Search of Lost Time*).

The term "Proustian" is used to describe qualities associated with the French writer Marcel Proust or his literary style, particularly as demonstrated in his monumental work, In Search of Lost Time.1

The descriptor is generally applied in two primary ways:

Complex Style: It refers to a writing style that is highly detailed and intricate. Proust’s prose is noted for its unique combination of speed and protraction, precision and iridescence, and a balance between classicism and symbolism.12
Involuntary Memory: It relates to the evocative power of sensory experiences to trigger the recall of forgotten memories. This is famously illustrated in Proust’s work by the narrator’s experience of tasting a madeleine dipped in tea, which serves as a catalyst for the involuntary revival of his childhood past.134

Ultimately, Proust’s style is recognized for its profound exploration of human consciousness, where he transmuted the facts of his own life into a universal search for truth, beauty, and the recovery of lost time.23