Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert
1821 -1880

Gustave Flaubert Biography

Gustave Flaubert (December 12, 1821 – May 8, 1880) was a French novelist, widely regarded as one of the leading exponents of literary realism. Born in Rouen, France, Flaubert was the second son of Achille-Cléophas Flaubert, a distinguished surgeon, and Anne-Justine-Caroline. His early exposure to the medical profession and the human condition influenced his meticulous and realistic writing style.

           

Flaubert began writing at a young age and was profoundly influenced by the works of Shakespeare and other literary figures. He studied law in Paris but abandoned it due to health issues, dedicating himself entirely to writing. His relationships with literary contemporaries, such as George Sand, and his extensive travels, including a significant journey to the Middle East, enriched his literary perspective.

           

His most renowned work, Madame Bovary (1857), is a critical portrayal of bourgeois society and tells the story of Emma Bovary, a doctor's wife who seeks escape from provincial life through romantic fantasies, leading to her downfall. The novel's realistic depiction of adultery led to legal charges of immorality, from which Flaubert was acquitted, solidifying his reputation as a leading novelist of his time.

           

Flaubert's other notable works include Salammbô (1862), a historical novel set in ancient Carthage; Sentimental Education (1869), reflecting the political and social upheavals of 19th-century France; and Three Tales (1877), a collection of short stories. He was known for his relentless pursuit of stylistic perfection and his belief in "le mot juste" (the precise word), which greatly influenced modern narrative techniques.

           

Flaubert passed away on May 8, 1880, in Croisset, France, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted French literature and the development of the modern novel.

           

Trivia About Gustave Flaubert

  • Flaubert was a close friend of writer George Sand, with whom he maintained a prolific correspondence.
  • He was known for his meticulous writing process, often spending days crafting a single page to achieve perfection.
  • Flaubert's trial for immorality due to 'Madame Bovary' brought him significant public attention and debate about censorship.
  • He never married and lived a significant portion of his life in his family home in Croisset.
           

Famous Quotes by Gustave Flaubert

  • "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work."
  • "Do not read as children do to enjoy themselves, or, as the ambitious do to educate themselves. No, read to live."
  • "The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
           

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Gustave Flaubert?

Gustave Flaubert was a French novelist known for his contributions to literary realism, particularly through his works like 'Madame Bovary' and 'Sentimental Education'.

           

What is 'Madame Bovary' about?

'Madame Bovary' is a novel that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a doctor's wife who seeks to escape the banalities of provincial life through romantic escapades, leading to her tragic end.

           

What is Flaubert's writing style known for?

Flaubert's writing is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail, pursuit of stylistic perfection, and the use of 'le mot juste' (the precise word) to convey exact meaning.

           

Related Literary Movements

Gustave Flaubert is closely associated with the literary realism movement, emphasizing accurate, detailed, and unembellished depiction of life. His works bridge romanticism and realism, influencing modern narrative techniques and the development of the novel as a serious art form.

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