Beautiful Quote by Gustave Flaubert
“What seems beautiful to me, what I should like to write, is a book about nothing, a book dependent on nothing external, which would be held together by the strength of its style, just as the earth, suspended in the void, depends on nothing external for its support.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary theory, 1859
The author envisions a novel whose power lies solely in its style, independent of external plot or subject, sustained by its own artistic strength.
In simple terms: A book held together by style alone.
Key Takeaway
Focus on craft and language.
Themes
style
literature
art
autonomy
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative writing courses
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
self-referential narrative
aesthetic purity
literary form
Questions to Reflect On
- Can style alone sustain reader interest?
- What balance between form and content works best?
A Different Perspective
Pure style may alienate readers seeking story.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
