Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris: A Journey Through Literature, History, and a City's Soul

In 1871, as the Franco-Prussian War raged and the city of Paris lay in ruins, Gustave Flaubert embarked on a literary pilgrimage through the ravaged streets. His experiences during this tumultuous period inspired one of the most profound and evocative works of his career: Three Tales.

Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris: The Story of a Friendship, a Novel, and a Terrible Year

by Peter Brooks

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51978 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	292 pages
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

FREE

Edward K. Kaplan's Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris delves into the intricate relationship between Flaubert's writing and the historical and cultural context that shaped it. Kaplan traces Flaubert's journey through the labyrinthine cityscape, exploring the ways in which the horrors of war and the destruction of Paris affected his literary imagination.

Flaubert's Paris

Flaubert was a keen observer of Parisian life, capturing the city's rhythms, its people, and its atmosphere in his writing. In his early years, he had reveled in Paris's vibrant literary and artistic circles. But by the time of the Franco-Prussian War, the city had transformed into a battlefield.

As Prussian forces laid siege to Paris, Flaubert witnessed the city's transformation from a bustling metropolis into a ghost town. Buildings were reduced to rubble, streets were deserted, and the once-familiar sounds of everyday life were replaced by the deafening roar of artillery.

The Birth of Three Tales

In the midst of this chaos, Flaubert began to write Three Tales, a collection of novellas that would become one of his most important works. The stories in Three Tales are set against the backdrop of war-torn Paris, and they explore themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a shattered world.

Kaplan argues that Three Tales is not simply a product of Flaubert's personal experiences but also a reflection of the collective trauma experienced by the city of Paris. Flaubert's writing captures the sense of dislocation, despair, and alienation that pervaded the city during this period.

A Literary Pilgrimage

Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris follows Flaubert's footsteps as he explores the devastated city, seeking inspiration for his writing. Kaplan traces Flaubert's visits to battlefields, hospitals, and orphanages, describing the sights and sounds that shaped his literary imagination.

Along the way, Kaplan sheds light on the historical context of Flaubert's writing. He explores the political and social upheavals that led to the Franco-Prussian War and provides insights into the cultural and intellectual climate of Paris during that time.

The Legacy of Flaubert

Three Tales was a critical and commercial success, establishing Flaubert as one of the most important writers of his generation. Kaplan argues that Flaubert's work continues to resonate with readers today because it speaks to the universal human experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

In Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris, Kaplan invites readers to revisit Flaubert's masterpiece and to reflect on the ways in which literature can illuminate the darkest chapters of human history.

Edward K. Kaplan's Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the relationship between literature, history, and the city of Paris. Kaplan's meticulous research and evocative writing transport readers back to one of the most tumultuous periods in Parisian history, offering a new perspective on Flaubert's life and work.

Flaubert in the Ruins of Paris: The Story of a Friendship, a Novel, and a Terrible Year

by Peter Brooks

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51978 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	292 pages
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

FREE