Which theme is prominently explored in Marcel Proust's "Swann's Way"?

The theme of identity and memory is prominently explored in Marcel Proust's "Swann's Way." The novel delves into the intricate relationship between the self and the past, examining how memories shape one's identity. Proust employs vivid imagery and meticulous detail to evoke sensory experiences that trigger recollections of the narrator's life, particularly the involuntary memories that come from specific sights and smells.

Throughout the narrative, the characters grapple with their pasts and the implications of their memories on their present identities. Proust illustrates how these memories can both enrich and complicate the understanding of oneself. The interplay between identity and memory is central to the exploration of the subjective nature of experience and the elusive nature of time, which are critical themes throughout his work.