Bouvard and Pécuchet: A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life, part 2

Bouvard and Pécuchet: A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life, part 2

IT WOULD perhaps make criticism easier, if, before giving our opinion, we should make known our preferences. To omit this preliminary distinction is a great injustice, as every book contains a peculiarity pertaining to the writer himself, which, independently of the execution, will charm or irritate us according to our preferences. We are never completely charmed unless a book appeals to our feelings and our intellect at the same time. First, let us discuss the object of the book. Why this novel, this drama? Of what use is it? etc. Instead of following the authors idea, instead of pointing out to him where he failed of his aim, and how he should have gone about to attain it, we bicker with him on a thousand things outside of his subject, always declaring the contrary of what he meant to express. If a critics sphere extends beyond the authors province, he should first of all look to the sthetics and the moral. It is impossible for me to warrant either of these concerning the poet in questions. As for writing his life, it has been linked so closely with mine, that I shall be brief on this subject; individual memoirs belong only to great men. Besides, has not research been exhausted? History will soon absorb all literature. In studying too closely what makes up the authors atmosphere, we fail to give the originality of his genius due consideration. In La Harpes time, when a masterpiece appeared, we were convinced,thanks to certain rules!that it was under no obligation whatsoever; whereas now, after we have examined everything about it, we still wish to discover its right to exist. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 46909
Author: Flaubert, Gustave
Release Date: Sep 20, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English