The pre-reflective roots of the madeleine-memory: a phenomenological perspective

Abstract This paper investigates the madeleine -memory (so-called from Proust's novel In Search of Lost Time ) as a case pre-reflective experience, genesis its sedimentation into body. Indeed, I aim to address question literary protagonist Marcel on roots his happiness and memories. Until now, has been described bodily involuntary. phenomenology, wide literature confirmed relationship between sense body ownership self-awareness. build upon such mutual link show that have be traced back involuntary recollections. To this purpose, will illustrate epistemological object subject plays relevant role in way remembers. First, present is unique memory, by analyzing main features characterize it. Secondly, analyze original experience within phenomenological logic transcendence immanence . For aim, rely Husserlian notions “epistemological inadequacy perception” “background experiences”. Through these notions, Proustian recollections are experiences because previously subjects pre-reflectively experienced content