Skip to content

History Quote by Gustav Flaubert

“To want to give to prose the rhythm of verse (but keeping it very much prose), and to want to write about ordinary life as one writes history or the epic (without denaturing the subject) is perhaps an absurdity. That's what I wonder sometimes. But perhaps it's also a grand undertaking and very…” quote by Gustav Flaubert
Download Open image
““To want to give to prose the rhythm of verse (but keeping it very much prose), and to want to write about ordinary life as one writes history or the epic (without denaturing the subject) is perhaps an absurdity. That's what I wonder sometimes. But perhaps it's also a grand undertaking and very original!””

Gustav Flaubert

About This Quote

Source Letter: to a fellow writer, 1859

Blending prose rhythm with verse while keeping prose form is challenging yet potentially groundbreaking.

In simple terms: Mixing poetic rhythm with prose is hard but innovative.

Key Takeaway

Experiment with lyrical prose cautiously.

Themes

literary experimentation genre blending originality

Mood

contemplative creative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • short stories
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

rhythm narrative voice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can rhythm enhance narrative?
  • When does poetic style hinder comprehension?
A Different Perspective

Risk of losing clarity or audience.

4.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Gustav Flaubert

Explore all 8 Gustav Flaubert quotes

More History quotes

Browse all 27,263 History quotes