About
Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was a French novelist, regarded as one of the greatest writers in Western literature. Born in Rouen, son of a chief surgeon, he abandoned his law studies in Paris after a nervous illness to devote himself to literature. His masterpiece, Madame Bovary (1857), led to a trial for immorality, of which he was acquitted. His precise, objective style, seeking 'the unique right word', profoundly influenced writers such as Maupassant, Zola, Kafka, and Nabokov. He traveled in North Africa and the Middle East, which informed his novel Salammbô. His major works include Sentimental Education, Three Tales, and the unfinished Bouvard and Pécuchet.
Major works
- Madame Bovary (1857)novel
- Salammbô (1862)novel
- L'Éducation sentimentale (1869)novel
- Trois Contes (1877)short story collection
- Bouvard et Pécuchet (1881)novel
Key milestones
- 1841Enrolled at the Faculty of Law in Paris, but abandoned his studies at age 22 after a nervous illness.
- 1857Publication of Madame Bovary, which led to a trial for immorality; he was acquitted.
- 1849-1851Traveled in North Africa, Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Italy with Maxime du Camp.
Themes
RealismAdultery and disillusionmentProvince and bourgeoisieOrient and exoticismQuest for the perfect style
Sources: heritage.bnf.fr · britannica.com