"We have gotten away from this double aspect of either putting the character back into historical events or of making a historical event of his very life"

Raymond Queneau's quote shows a nuanced exploration of the interaction in between private characters and historic occasions. At its core, Queneau is addressing two distinct techniques to narrative and historical representation.

The first part of the quote, "putting the character back into historic occasions", indicates the literary and historical practice of positioning imaginary or real characters within the broader tapestry of history. This technique is frequently seen in historical books and biographical works where characters are not just passive viewers however active individuals in or responders to the events unfolding around them. By weaving private stories into historic contexts, stories can enrich the understanding of both the character and historical events, making history feel individual and instant.

Alternatively, the second element--"making a historical occasion of his very life"-- suggests the concept of viewing a person's life as a microcosm of history itself. Particular lives are so prominent or emblematic of broader societal, cultural, or historical shifts that they end up being iconic in their own right. This might include magnifying individual experiences, struggles, and victories to the level of historic significance. In this light, the personal ends up being political, and specific narratives attain a universality that transcends individual experience.

Queneau, a writer understood for his spirited and speculative method to language and narrative structure, likely advocates for a synthesis of these point of views. His works frequently explore the limits in between fiction and reality, the ordinary and the significant, consequently motivating readers to acknowledge the historic measurements in everyday life and the individual measurements of more comprehensive historic movements.

In essence, Queneau's observation critiques the propensity to separate individual and historical narratives, recommending instead that a richer understanding of either can be attained by analyzing the smooth interaction between the two. This point of view welcomes a reevaluation of how we view both history and specific stories, blurring the lines in between individual and universal experiences to promote a much deeper, more interconnected understanding of the world.