Bouvard and Pécuchet

Book Review

Gustave Flaubert's «Bouvard and Pécuchet» is a satirical novel that mocks human folly and the futility of striving for omniscience. Critics note that Flaubert masterfully uses grotesque and irony to show how the two main characters, Bouvard and Pécuchet, attempt to master various sciences and crafts but invariably fail. Their endless attempts and failures serve as a metaphor for the limitations of the human mind and the absurdity of striving for absolute knowledge. Critics also emphasize that the novel, despite its comedic nature, has a deep philosophical undertone and prompts readers to reflect on the nature of knowledge and human folly. Flaubert creates vivid and memorable images, and his writing style is characterized by precision and conciseness, making «Bouvard and Pécuchet» an important work in the literary heritage of the 19th century.