Dictionnaire des idées reçues by Gustave Flaubert

Description

Dictionnaire des idées reçues by Gustave Flaubert is a posthumous work compiled for publication in the early 20th century. This satirical dictionary offers a humorous and critical examination of commonly accepted beliefs and clichés of Flaubert’s time, reflecting on societal norms and perceptions with sharp wit and irony. The opening of the work introduces a structured list of terms, each followed by Flaubert’s biting commentary or anecdote. For example, Flaubert explores various subjects, such as historical figures, concepts like agriculture and ambition, and societal stereotypes—pointing out absurdities and contradictions in each entry. This early section showcases his unique style, blending humor with critique, as we see phrases meant to satirize societal conventions, from notions about actors and artists to opinions on money and agriculture, highlighting the trivialities and pretensions of contemporary culture. This sets the tone for a work that delights in deconstructing the commonplace through a lens of sharp observation and irony. (This is an automatically generated summary.)