what does Flaubert consider a "GLOBAL CITIZEN" to be?

Question

1.) According to the video, what does Flaubert consider a "GLOBAL CITIZEN" to be.

2.) Flaubert once said, "Art is superior to everything." Explain what this means and how this idea applies to the Realist Literary period.

3.) Consider "A Simple Heart" by Flaubert. How do the themes and events from the story fly in the face of traditional values and norms of the early 20th century? What did you think of the story? Is it still relevant today? Why or why not? Use examples, quoted and cited, from the text to support your assertions.

Video if needed on YT called: LITERATURE - Gustave Flaubert

Book Page: Flaubert & A Simple Heart (1877) p. 651-678

Answer 1

1. In the video, there is no specific mention of what Flaubert considers a "GLOBAL CITIZEN" to be.
2. Flaubert's statement, "Art is superior to everything," reflects his belief that art has the power to transcend the limitations of everyday life and connect individuals to a higher sense of meaning and beauty. This idea is central to the Realist Literary period, which sought to capture the reality of everyday life in all its complexity and detail. Realist writers believed that through their art, they could reveal the truth of the human experience and provide insight into the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their world.
3. "A Simple Heart" is a story that challenges traditional values and norms in several ways. The protagonist, Félicité, is a servant who devotes her life to caring for others and finds solace in her Catholic faith. However, her devotion to others is not reciprocated, and she is ultimately left alone and forgotten in her old age. This flies in the face of the traditional belief that selflessness and devotion to others will lead to a happy and fulfilled life. Additionally, the story explores themes of class and social hierarchy, as Félicité is treated as a second-class citizen by those she serves.

Despite being written in the 19th century, "A Simple Heart" remains relevant today in its exploration of themes such as social inequality, isolation, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The story's poignant depiction of Félicité's life and struggles resonates with readers and prompts us to reflect on our own values and priorities. For example, the following passage highlights the limitations of human connection and the importance of finding meaning and purpose within oneself:

"She had never loved anyone except a parrot, who had died long ago. Since then, her affection had been confined to a few domestic animals, to the children of her mistress, and to the lady herself. Her devotion to them was the only passion of her life, and she felt herself capable of heroism for their sakes, without ever dreaming of it in connection with any other object. Her mistress was the centre of her existence, the pivot on which all her thoughts turned."

Overall, "A Simple Heart" is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of universal themes and its vivid depiction of everyday life make it a valuable contribution to the Realist Literary period and to literature as a whole.