Bouvard and Pecuchet with the Dictionary of Received Ideas - Classic Text | Alexandria
Bouvard and Pecuchet with the Dictionary of Received Ideas: This unfinished satirical novel by Gustave Flaubert, coupled with its annexed project, the Dictionary of Received Ideas, constitutes a biting commentary on 19th-century French society, exposing the dangers of unchecked enthusiasm, naive intellectualism, and the uncritical acceptance of bourgeois platitudes. Neither a straightforward narrative nor a mere glossary, the work defies easy categorization, blurring the lines between fiction, satire, and philosophical treatise.
The genesis of Bouvard and Pecuchet can be traced to Flaubert’s meticulous notes and drafts dating back to the 1850s, though the core concept solidified in the 1870s, particularly after the completion of The Temptation of Saint Anthony. The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and the subsequent Paris Commune profoundly influenced Flaubert, leading him to a more cynical perspective on human nature and the potential for societal collapse through ignorance and ideological extremism. These turbulent times simmer beneath the surface of the novel, shaping the characters' ill-fated pursuit of knowledge.
Flaubert’s satirical exploration of human folly resonated with later generations of writers and thinkers. From the absurdist dramas of the 20th century to postmodern critiques of knowledge and power, Bouvard and Pecuchet has served as a touchstone for understanding the pitfalls of intellectual hubris. The Dictionary of Received Ideas, intended as a catalog of the simplistic beliefs prevalent in bourgeois society, anticipated the modern concerns about mass culture and the manipulation of public opinion. Some argue that its incomplete nature adds to its profound impact, suggesting that the catalog of human stupidity is, tragically, boundless. Has Flaubert's seemingly fantastical satire become a mirror reflecting certain troubling trends in our contemporary social and political landscape? The question remains open, urging each generation to confront its own received ideas.