Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert (1821 – 1880) is a renowned French novelist who is widely considered to be one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. He was an early proponent of the realist movement of the time, which sought to realistically portray everyday events in a writing style that was free of moral or emotional judgment. His works cross class divisions, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of the upper class, the peasantry, and even the bourgeoisie.

Flaubert was born in Rouen, Normandy in 1821, and spent most of his life in the nearby village of Croisset. He attended law school at the University of Paris, but left after only two years to pursue a career in writing. He published his first novel, Madame Bovary, in 1856, and it became both a critical and a commercial success. It was widely praised for its innovative use of free indirect discourse, which allowed Flaubert to avoid moralistic judgments on the events depicted in the novel.

Although Flaubert was to become known for his writing style, he was a rigorous craftsperson, often taking up to nine months to compose a single sentence. His insistence on craftsmanship was one of the major characteristics that helped set him apart from his contempories. His commitment to perfectionism has led to him becoming a significant figure in the development of the realist movement in literary circles.

Flaubert’s body of work includes a range of novels and stories, as well as a selection of plays and travel writing. His most famous novel, Madame Bovary, is a masterpiece of realism that has been translated into many languages and is frequently taught in literature classes around the world. The novel follows the life of Emma Bovary, a woman who seeks to escape her life in the French countryside by seeking out passion, adventure and excitement. It is widely praised for its keen psychological insight and its masterful use of free indirect discourse.

Other works by Flaubert include Sentimental Education, Salammbo and A Simple Heart, which is typically considered to be one of his greatest short stories and one of the best works of realism ever written. Themes that often appear in his works include the difficulty of maintaining a balanced life, social change and progress, the power of temptation and the fickleness of fate. In addition, Flaubert’s works often have a certain lyrical quality to them, with themes that are both melancholic and humorous in nature.

Flaubert died in 1880, after a lifetime spent crafting masterful and influential works of realist literature. His influence has been far-reaching, appearing in the literature of writers as diverse as Ernest Hemingway, Marcel Proust and J.D. Salinger. His novels and stories remain as powerful and relevant today as they were when they were first published, and can still be found in stores and libraries around the world.