A Simple Soul

A Simple Soul by Gustave Flaubert is a poignant work of French literature that offers a profound psychological portrait of its protagonist, Félicité. As a servant in a bourgeois household, Félicité embodies the struggles of the lower class in 19th-century France. The novel is a masterful example of realism, capturing the emotional isolation and quiet suffering of a woman who lives a life of servitude. Flaubert’s depiction of Félicité’s unfulfilled dreams and religious devotion paints a tragic heroine whose life is marked by loneliness and sacrifice. Through her humble and seemingly insignificant existence, Flaubert delivers a powerful social commentary on class differences and the stark realities faced by those in the lower strata of society. A Simple Soul is a sensitive exploration of human dignity and resilience, showcasing Flaubert’s skill in character study and his ability to evoke empathy for the often overlooked members of society.