Bouvard and Pécuchet: A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life, part 1
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Language: EnglishPublished:
Authors:
- Flaubert, Gustave
1821 - 1880
About this book
In the late 19th century, as industrialization reshaped society, Gustave Flaubert's "Bouvard and Pécuchet: A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life, part 1" critiques the relentless pursuit of knowledge by the bourgeoisie. Through the misadventures of two clerks, Bouvard and Pécuchet, the narrative explores themes of intellectual pretension and the folly of self-education, highlighting the absurdity of their attempts to master every discipline from botany to philosophy. This satirical examination reveals the limitations of the bourgeois mindset, making it essential reading for students, civic activists, and historians alike. Flaubert’s keen observations challenge readers to reflect on the nature of ambition and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
