Generally speaking, the statement is true: the reader does indeed feel sympathy towards Félicité and Flaubert’s use of language certainly contributes to this. How is what needs to be examined. The judgement that ‘Flaubert’s tendency towards ‘objective’ narrative paradoxically increases the sympathy that the reader feels for Félicité’ also poses many other questions such as what is meant by ‘objective’ narrative? How is it used in Un Coeur simple? What are the author’s reasons for using such a narrative? And is so- called ‘objective’ narrative really objective or at all possible?
By the way the view is worded, it seems that ‘objective’ narrative and the reader’s sympathy for a fictional character are incompatible and that the increase in sympathy is thus paradoxical. At the moment this may indeed sound impossible but after having had a look at the other factors that come into this equation, which are e.g. the choice of subject matter, the use of style indirect libre and the role of irony – the reader’s increased sympathy should come across as a logical result.
I am aware that it is of course controversial to engage in academic argument over such impressions as ‘irony’ or ‘tone’, because such notions are highly subjective and a therefore a certain source of disagreement. Nevertheless, ironology does come up with some interesting approaches to Flaubert’s style and especially his use of style indirect libre and the question whether it actually increases sympathy. I also believe that irony is employed as an important vehicle for sympathy in this story.
Table of Contents
- Essay 1: 'Discuss the view that in Un Coeur simple Flaubert's tendency towards 'objective' narrative paradoxically increases the sympathy the reader feels for Félicité.'
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this essay is to analyze the paradoxical relationship between Flaubert's "objective" narrative style in Un Coeur Simple and the reader's resulting sympathy for Félicité. It examines how Flaubert's narrative techniques, particularly the use of style indirect libre and irony, contribute to this effect.
- Flaubert's "objective" or "detached" narrative style in Un Coeur Simple
- The role of style indirect libre in shaping reader sympathy
- The use of irony and contrast to evoke sympathy for Félicité
- The interplay between Félicité's perspective and "public opinion"
- The nature of sympathy and its creation through narrative techniques
Chapter Summaries
Essay 1: 'Discuss the view that in Un Coeur simple Flaubert's tendency towards 'objective' narrative paradoxically increases the sympathy the reader feels for Félicité.': This essay investigates the assertion that Flaubert's seemingly objective narrative style in Un Coeur Simple paradoxically enhances reader sympathy for Félicité. It questions the definition of "objective" narrative and explores how Flaubert's techniques, including style indirect libre and irony, contribute to the reader's emotional response. The essay analyzes Flaubert's aim to evoke sympathy, examining how the contrast between Félicité's perspective and "public opinion," presented through the detached narration, creates this effect. It argues that the seemingly objective narrative, by juxtaposing viewpoints and highlighting the disparity between Félicité's inner life and external perceptions, subtly guides the reader towards sympathy without resorting to overt authorial commentary. The essay also discusses the complexities of interpreting irony and subjective elements within a seemingly objective narrative, concluding that Flaubert's masterful use of narrative technique successfully achieves his intended aim of fostering empathy for Félicité.
Keywords
Gustave Flaubert, Un Coeur Simple, objective narrative, detached narrative, style indirect libre, irony, sympathy, Félicité, realism, character perspective, public opinion, contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Flaubert's *Un Coeur Simple*
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of an essay analyzing Gustave Flaubert's *Un Coeur Simple*. It includes the essay's title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, a chapter summary, and keywords.
What is the central argument of the essay discussed in the preview?
The essay argues that Flaubert's seemingly "objective" narrative style in *Un Coeur Simple* paradoxically increases the reader's sympathy for the main character, Félicité. It explores how narrative techniques like style indirect libre and irony contribute to this effect.
What narrative techniques are analyzed in the essay?
The essay analyzes Flaubert's use of "objective" or "detached" narrative, style indirect libre, irony, and the juxtaposition of Félicité's perspective with "public opinion" to understand how these techniques generate sympathy in the reader.
How does Flaubert's "objective" narrative create sympathy for Félicité?
The essay contends that the seemingly objective narrative, by presenting contrasting viewpoints and highlighting the discrepancy between Félicité's inner life and external perceptions, subtly guides the reader toward sympathy without explicit authorial intervention. The contrast between Félicité's experience and public opinion is a key element in this process.
What is the role of irony in the narrative?
The essay explores how irony, within the context of the seemingly objective narrative, contributes to the reader's understanding and sympathy for Félicité. It examines the complexities of interpreting subjective elements within what might appear to be an objective account.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include Flaubert's narrative style (objective/detached), the role of style indirect libre, the use of irony and contrast to evoke sympathy, the interplay between Félicité's perspective and public opinion, and the nature of sympathy itself and its creation through narrative techniques.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include: Gustave Flaubert, Un Coeur Simple, objective narrative, detached narrative, style indirect libre, irony, sympathy, Félicité, realism, character perspective, public opinion, and contrast.
What is included in this language preview?
The preview offers a title, table of contents (currently only listing one essay), objectives and key themes, a chapter summary for the single essay, and a list of keywords.
- Quote paper
- MPhil Rebecca Steltner (Author), 2001, Objective narrative, irony and sympathy in Flaubert's 'Un Coeur simple', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/12774
