Bouvard et Pécuchet by Gustave Flaubert. Summary of the book.

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Bouvard et Pécuchet by Gustave Flaubert

Bouvard et Pécuchet is a novel by French writer Gustave Flaubert, published posthumously in 1881. It is a comedy about two clerks, Bouvard and Pécuchet, who quit their jobs to pursue their dreams of knowledge, only to find themselves in over their heads.

The novel follows the two clerks as they attempt to learn all they can about the world. They try their hand at farming, archaeology, philosophy, and many other topics, only to find themselves in a state of utter confusion. Flaubert often uses the two characters to poke fun at the absurdity of the pursuit of knowledge, presenting them as bumbling fools in their attempts to master the world.

The novel is also a biting satire of 19th-century French society. Flaubert uses the two clerks to satirize the bourgeoisie, pointing out their materialism, shallowness, and pretentiousness. He also takes aim at the education system, which he saw as too rigid and unimaginative.

The novel also contains an element of pathos, as the two clerks are never able to find the happiness they seek. In the end, they are left disillusioned, unable to make sense of the world around them.

Main Themes

The main themes of Bouvard et Pécuchet are the pursuit of knowledge, the absurdity of life, and the emptiness of materialism.

The novel is an exploration of the pursuit of knowledge. Flaubert uses the two clerks to illustrate the folly of trying to learn everything about the world. He suggests that knowledge is often too vast and complex for us to ever truly understand.

The novel is also a commentary on the absurdity of life. Flaubert presents the world as chaotic and unpredictable, and suggests that our attempts to make sense of it are often futile. The two clerks are unable to make sense of the world, no matter how hard they try.

Finally, the novel is a critique of materialism. Flaubert suggests that focusing on material possessions does not bring happiness, and instead leads to emptiness and disappointment. He shows that true happiness can only be found in meaningful relationships and experiences.

Interesting Facts

  • Bouvard et Pécuchet was Flaubert’s final novel.
  • Flaubert wrote the novel over a period of sixteen years.
  • The novel is considered to be an unfinished work, as Flaubert died before he could complete it.
  • The novel has been adapted into various films, plays, and operas.
  • The novel has been translated into English by several notable translators, including Lydia Davis and Mark Polizzotti.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Who wrote Bouvard et Pécuchet?
    Bouvard et Pécuchet was written by French author Gustave Flaubert.
  • When was Bouvard et Pécuchet published?
    Bouvard et Pécuchet was published posthumously in 1881.
  • What is Bouvard et Pécuchet about?
    Bouvard et Pécuchet is a comedy about two clerks, Bouvard and Pécuchet, who quit their jobs to pursue their dreams of knowledge, only to find themselves in over their heads.
  • What are the main themes of Bouvard et Pécuchet?
    The main themes of Bouvard et Pécuchet are the pursuit of knowledge, the absurdity of life, and the emptiness of materialism.

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