Skip to content

So long as there is gold underneath, who cares about the…

“So long as there is gold underneath, who cares about the dust on top? Literature! That old whore! We must try to dose her with mercury and pills and clean her out from top to bottom, she has been so ultra-screwed by filthy pricks!” quote by Gustave Flaubert
Download Open image
““So long as there is gold underneath, who cares about the dust on top? Literature! That old whore! We must try to dose her with mercury and pills and clean her out from top to bottom, she has been so ultra-screwed by filthy pricks!””

Gustave Flaubert

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote expresses contempt for superficial literary criticism, urging radical reform of literature's corrupt state.

In simple terms: Criticizes shallow criticism, calls for drastic cleansing of literature.

Key Takeaway

Challenge complacent literary standards.

Themes

literature criticism reform corruption radicalism

Mood

cynical defiant provocative

Type

satirical controversial

When to use this quote

  • academic conferences
  • editorial meetings
  • publishing houses
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

censorship purification cultural decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can literature be revitalized without destructive tactics?
  • What alternatives exist to “clean” cultural works?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may be overly aggressive, alienating constructive dialogue.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Gustave Flaubert

Explore all 526 Gustave Flaubert quotes

More Books quotes

Browse all 59,485 Books quotes