Gustave Flaubert‟s influence on Guy de Maupassant‟s novel Une Vie (A Woman‟s Life): A comparative study

Abstract

Parallels have often been drawn, by literary critics, between Gustave Flaubert and the most prominent 19th century short-story writer, Guy de Maupassant. Many studies have been carried out to analyse Flaubert‟s influence on Maupassant‟s short stories. However, not much attention has been paid to compare their novels and see Flaubert‟s influence on them.The paper investigates Flauberien influence on Maupassant‟s first novel, Une Vie (A Woman’s Life). This study also pays particular attention to Flaubert‟s famous novel, Madame Bovary, which was very influential for many 19th century naturalist writers. The main objective of this paper is to draw a comparison between these two novels in order to demonstrate similarities in protagonists, secondary characters, narration, setting, plot, rhetorical devices and figures of speech. The methodology for this study was literary surveying and textual analysis of selected critical work of both writers. Studies of this nature will draw the attention of critics to understand the value of Maupassant‟s novels as their significance is very often overlooked. Hence, this study will look to improve the understanding of French literature among Sri Lankan readers in a broader perspective. This paper would provide further insight into Maupassant‟ work and also identify areas that need further study and investigation.