Gustave Flaubert was a prominent French novelist born in 1821. He is best known for his novel "Madame Bovary," which explores the life of Emma Bovary, a woman seeking meaning beyond her mundane provincial existence. Through Emma's tragic pursuit of passion and escape, Flaubert critiques the constraints of bourgeois society and the illusion of romanticism. His meticulous writing style and innovative narrative techniques significantly impacted the development of modern literature.
Flaubert's works often reflect his belief in the importance of artistic integrity, leading him to refine his language and structure with extreme care. He famously remarked that "the book must be like a well-made clock," emphasizing the precision and formal beauty of his prose. Beyond "Madame Bovary," he wrote other influential works, including "Salammbô" and "Sentimental Education," which further demonstrate his literary prowess and exploration of human desires and social issues.