The Life and Legacy of Gustave Flaubert

Early Life and Influences of Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert was born on December 12, 1821, in Rouen, France, to Achille Cléophas Flaubert, a surgeon, and Anne Justine Caroline (née Fleuriot). Raised in a relatively affluent household, he was exposed to literature at a young age, which sparked his lifelong passion for writing. Flaubert attended the Collège Royal de Rouen where he began to write and was notably influenced by the works of William Shakespeare. His close friendship with Alfred le Poittevin also shaped his early literary outlook. Despite his parents' initial wishes for him to study law, Flaubert pursued his passion for literature. After an epileptic seizure in 1844, he abandoned his law studies in Paris and committed himself to writing full-time.

Flaubert's Formative Works and Personal Struggles

Gustave Flaubert's early literary endeavors included "Mémoires d'un Fou" (1838), a reflection of his youthful romanticism, and "Novembre" (1842), a semi-autobiographical work. His personal life was marked by significant events, such as the deaths of his father and sister in 1846, which led to his return to Rouen. There, he engaged in a tumultuous relationship with the poet Louise Colet. Despite their intense correspondence and Flaubert's deep affection for her, the relationship ended in 1855. Flaubert's personal views on procreation were pessimistic; he saw it as a perpetuation of human misery and chose to remain childless. His travels to the Middle East and North Africa were significant, both for his exposure to different cultures and for contracting syphilis, which affected his health later in life.

The Publication of Madame Bovary and Flaubert's Acclaim

"Madame Bovary" (1857), Flaubert's first published novel and his most acclaimed work, marked his entry into the literary world as a pioneer of the Realist movement. The novel's detailed depiction of the protagonist, Emma Bovary's, life and struggles in a provincial town drew both admiration and controversy. Flaubert faced a trial for obscenity, but his acquittal led to increased public interest and solidified his reputation as a leading literary figure. His friendships with contemporaries such as Émile Zola, George Sand, and Ivan Turgenev were instrumental in his development as a writer and in establishing his place in literary history.

Flaubert's Literary Style and Contributions to Realism

Flaubert's literary style is renowned for its precision and his painstaking search for le mot juste (the right word). His narratives often employed a formal structure and were marked by detailed descriptions, psychological depth, and the use of irony to critique society. Flaubert's dedication to his craft and his portrayal of everyday life with unvarnished realism influenced the development of literary realism and inspired future writers. His work represents a bridge between Romanticism and Realism, capturing the emotional intensity of the former while adhering to the objective observation characteristic of the latter.

Later Life and the Impact of Historical Events

The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and its aftermath deeply affected Flaubert's personal life and financial stability. The war led to the occupation of his home by Prussian soldiers, and he faced further hardship with the death of his beloved mother in 1872. Financial difficulties ensued due to his niece's husband's mismanagement of the family's fortune. Despite these setbacks, Flaubert continued to write, producing works such as "The Temptation of Saint Anthony" and "Three Tales." However, these later works did not garner the same critical success as his earlier novels. Flaubert's health declined, and he died on May 8, 1880, from a cerebral hemorrhage, likely exacerbated by his chronic health issues.

Flaubert's Enduring Legacy and Philosophical Influence

Gustave Flaubert's legacy in literature is characterized by his mastery of Realism and his profound impact on later writers, including Guy de Maupassant, who was his protégé, as well as Jean-Paul Sartre and Franz Kafka. His philosophical leanings, such as his interest in Spinozism and his critique of societal norms, are evident in his works. Flaubert's dedication to literary realism and his exploration of human nature through his characters have cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in the history of literature.