Gustave Flaubert
Biography
Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880) was a prominent French novelist, widely considered one of the masters of literary realism. Born in Rouen, France, he dedicated his life to art and literature, largely withdrawing from public life to meticulously craft his works. His most famous novel, "Madame Bovary" (1856), led to his prosecution for obscenity, though he was acquitted, boosting his notoriety. Flaubert was known for his rigorous pursuit of "le mot juste" (the right word), his objective narration, and his profound psychological insights into his characters. His work often satirized bourgeois life and the romantic illusions prevalent in his era, influencing many later writers. He also wrote "Salammbô," "Bouvard and Pécuchet," and "Sentimental Education."
Selected Thoughts
«An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.»
«The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.»
«Madame Bovary, c'est moi.»
Writing Style
Flaubert's writing style is characterized by its meticulous realism, objective narration, and precise, elegant prose. He famously spent years perfecting individual sentences, striving for "le mot juste" (the right word). His narratives often employ free indirect discourse, allowing insight into characters' thoughts without explicit authorial intrusion. He used irony and satire to critique society, particularly the bourgeoisie, and explored psychological depth and the disillusionment of romantic ideals.