French Cultural Space Celebrates Gustave Flaubert on Bicentenary of His Birth
Paris, France – The French cultural space has been abuzz with a multitude of publications, reviews, exhibitions, sessions, and retrospectives honoring the renowned writer Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) on the bicentenary of his birth. From the beginning to the end of 2021, France has paid tribute to Flaubert, highlighting his significant contributions to literature.
Flaubert, often referred to as the “father of the French novel” and the “father of the modern novel,” holds a revered position in France. His influence on the development of the international novel is widely acknowledged, as affirmed by numerous prominent writers, both within and outside of France. In a series of interviews published by L’Osservatore magazine under the banner “Is Flaubert your teacher?,” writers such as Orhan Pamuk, Mircea Cartarescu, and Nobel Prize laureate Annie Ernault expressed their admiration for Flaubert, with Ernault stating, “Flaubert was my first teacher.”
Adding to the celebration, the Parisian publication “Gallimard” recently released a book titled “Narrative Texts from Youth” as part of their “Folio Classic” series. Edited by Claudette Guto Mersch and revised by Yvan Leclerc, two renowned specialists in Flaubert’s work, the book sheds new light on the early years of Flaubert’s career.
While much of Flaubert’s early work, including his famous novel “Madame Bovary,” is well-known, “Narrative Texts from Youth” unveils two previously lost texts. The first, titled “November,” was written by Flaubert in 1842 when he was just twenty-one years old. It narrates the story of a young adolescent’s discovery of love and sexual pleasure, reminiscent of Goethe’s “Pass of Werther.” However, Flaubert later chose to exclude this text from his published works, considering it more akin to an “outdated romantic stew.”
The second text, “Pyrenees and Corsica,” chronicles Flaubert’s journey to the mountains in southern France and the Mediterranean island of Corsica in 1840. Through detailed descriptions and critical observations, Flaubert captures the landscapes, his experiences in cafes and restaurants, and his fascination with the oriental. Notably, he imagines horizons towards the East, even India, as he observes a palm tree.
In addition to these two texts, “Narrative Texts from Youth” also includes two other works from Flaubert’s early years: “Memoirs of a Madman” and “A Journey to Italy.” These texts provide further insight into the formative stages of Flaubert’s writing career.
The publication of “Narrative Texts from Youth” has added a new dimension to the celebration of Gustave Flaubert’s bicentenary, allowing readers to delve into the lesser-known aspects of his early writings. As France continues to honor Flaubert’s enduring literary legacy, his influence on the novel and his status as a literary icon remain unquestionable.
How did the special exhibition at the Bibliothèque nationale de France contribute to a deeper understanding of Flaubert’s creative process and literary genius?
Tions, the Bibliothèque nationale de France held a special exhibition titled “Flaubert, A Passion for Words,” showcasing a collection of manuscripts, correspondence, and personal belongings of the writer. The exhibition provided an intimate look into Flaubert’s creative process and offered visitors a deeper understanding of his literary genius.
Literary societies and organizations organized a series of readings and seminars dedicated to Flaubert’s works, dissecting his novels and exploring their themes and techniques. These events aimed to promote a renewed appreciation for Flaubert’s contribution to French literature and to inspire a new generation of writers.
In addition to these scholarly activities, theatrical adaptations of Flaubert’s novels were staged, bringing his timeless characters to life on the stage. The plays captured the essence of Flaubert’s storytelling and allowed audiences to experience his narratives in a different medium.
The bicentenary celebrations also extended to the digital realm, with virtual exhibitions and online platforms dedicated to Flaubert. These digital initiatives made it possible for a global audience to engage with Flaubert’s work and learn more about his life and literary legacy.
Flaubert’s impact on French culture and literature cannot be overstated. His novel “Madame Bovary” is considered a masterpiece of realism and has been studied and analyzed by scholars for over a century. His meticulous attention to detail, his exploration of the human psyche, and his unflinching portrayal of society set new standards for the novel form.
As the bicentenary celebrations draw to a close, France recognizes that Flaubert’s legacy will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come. His contribution to the development of the novel genre remains unparalleled, making him an enduring figure in the world of literature. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the profound impact one writer can have on the cultural heritage of a nation.
Gustave Flaubert’s literary genius continues to mesmerize readers even to this day. The discovery of his long-lost texts is a testament to his celebrated legacy and the profound impact he has had on the world of literature. Flaubert’s enduring influence will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.