Bouvard and Pecuchet, Volume X
The novel follows the lives of two friends, Bouvard and Pecuchet, who attempt to live according to various philosophical and scientific theories they have read about. They try out different lifestyles, from vegetarianism to socialism, but their efforts are marked by ineptitude and failure. As they move through various phases, they become increasingly eccentric and detached from reality. Their attempts at reforming themselves and others lead to chaos and destruction around them. The novel is a satirical commentary on the excesses of Romanticism and the intellectual pretensions of the bourgeoisie. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning in life. Through Bouvard and Pecuchet's misadventures, the novel critiques the notion that one can achieve happiness and fulfillment through the adoption of abstract ideas or philosophical systems.
By Gustave Flaubert · First published 1874 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Philosophical Fiction · 2 chapters · 89,448 words
First lines
Marcel reappeared next day at three o'clock, his face green, his eyes bloodshot, a lump on his forehead, his breeches torn, his breath tainted with a strong smell of brandy, and his person covered with dirt.
He had been, according to an annual custom of his, six leagues away at Iqueville to enjoy a midnight repast with a friend; and, stuttering more than ever, crying, wishing to beat himself, he begged of them for pardon, as if he had committed a crime. His masters granted it to him. A singular feeling of serenity rendered them indulgent.
What this Textopian page supports
Bouvard and Pecuchet, Volume X is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gustave Flaubert, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Gustave Flaubert
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Philosophical Fiction, Social Criticism, Realism
- Length: 89,448 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 1,796 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Bouvard and Pecuchet, Volume X?
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- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The book is a satirical examination of the absurdities of human knowledge and the pursuit of learning.
- Comedy — The narrative employs comedic elements to highlight the foolishness and failures of the protagonists.
- Philosophical Fiction — The work explores philosophical themes related to the nature of knowledge and the human condition.
- Social Criticism — The book critiques societal norms and the superficiality of intellectual pursuits.
Tags
Satire · Comedy · Novel · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Absurdism · Farce · Literary Experimentation · Playful Writing Style · Wit · Humor