Gustave Flaubert 
BOUVARD & PÉCUCHET 
A Satirical Novel

Gustave Flaubert’s ‘Bouvard & Pécuchet’ is a satirical novel that follows the lives of two copyclerks who decide to retire with the desire to become experts in all fields of knowledge. The book highlights the absurdity of blind faith in the written word and the futility of trying to grasp all aspects of human knowledge. Flaubert’s novel is characterized by his precise and detailed writing style, as well as his sharp commentary on societal norms and the human condition. Set in the 19th century, ‘Bouvard & Pécuchet’ is a work of literary realism that challenges traditional literary conventions and explores the limits of human understanding. Flaubert’s use of irony and wit adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in philosophical and sociological issues. Gustave Flaubert’s own struggles with his disillusionment with society and his quest for knowledge likely influenced the creation of this novel. His meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to his craft shine through in ‘Bouvard & Pécuchet, ‘ making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for fans of literary fiction.

Mengenai Pengarang

Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was a highly influential French novelist renowned for his scrupulous devotion to his art and style. He is often considered the leading exponent of literary realism in his country. Born in Rouen, Normandy, to a family of doctors, Flaubert was passionately drawn to literature from a young age. His masterful command of the craft is evident in his best-known work, ‘Madame Bovary’ (1857), a book that sparked scandal and was subject to a legal trial upon publication due to its frank portrayal of adultery. Though less known, ‘Bouvard et Pécuchet’ is another remarkable novel by Flaubert, published posthumously in 1881. This ambitious novel satirizes the bourgeois and depicts the comical endeavors of two city clerks who, having inherited a fortune, retire to the countryside to live a life of intellectual pursuit. The book, though incomplete, represents Flaubert’s last laugh at human folly and stands as an exemplar of his tireless pursuit for perfection in literature. His writing style is noted for its precision of language, depth of psychological insight, and subtleness in capturing the nuances of human behavior. Despite writing only a handful of novels, Flaubert’s influence on literary modernism and perfectionist prose style continues to resonate within the realm of world literature.