Flaubert Quote by Dorothy Parker
“And there was that poor sucker Flaubert rolling around on his floor for three days looking for the right word.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Writing, Dorothy Parker, 1935
The quote humorously depicts the writer's struggle to find the perfect word, highlighting the obsessive quest for precision in language.
In simple terms: Writers often chase the exact word for days.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the process, not just the perfect term.
Themes
creativity
perfectionism
language
writing
humor
Mood
lighthearted
ironic
playful
Type
anecdote
humor
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- editing
- poetry
- journalism
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
lexicography
artistic struggle
expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the search for the perfect word?
- How can writers balance precision with productivity?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can stall progress and cause frustration.
![“Monsieur Flaubert is not a writer. [1857]” quote by Le Figaro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/le-figaro-255782_bad-reviews_monsieur-flaubert-is-not-a-writer-1857-1_1367559.jpg)
![“I am finishing a biography of [Gustave] Flaubert. Because he is the opposite of what I am. One needs to rub up against argument.” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b23/jean-paul-sartre-220_argument_i-am-finishing-a-biography-of-gustave-fl_1324743.jpg)
