The Life-Work of Flaubert, from the Russian of Merejowski

Name: The Life-Work of Flaubert, from the Russian of Merejowski
Author: Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky

By Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky

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About This Book

The essay analyzes the tension between artistic genius and moral character, arguing that intense aesthetic observation can erode ethical feeling. Opening with Balzac's notion of genius as a destructive malady and illustrating this with the sculptor who studies the Laocoön, it shows how artists develop detached, analytical attitudes that prioritize beauty and interest over compassion. It examines Flaubert's correspondence and his credo that art supersedes life, chronicling his habit of scrutinizing emotion, subordinating personal feeling to the work, and insisting that the work outweighs the man. Psychological reflection and close textual reading trace how aesthetic commitment shapes temperament, conduct, and creative practice.

About the Author

Merezhkovsky, Dmitry Sergeyevich portrait

Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky

Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky was a prominent Russian writer and thinker, known for his contributions to the Symbolist movement and his exploration of philosophical themes in literature. His works often delve into the intersection of art, religion, and history, reflecting his deep engagement with the cultural currents of his time. Among his notable works is "Akhnaton, King of Egypt," which examines the life and legacy of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh through a symbolic lens. Merezhkovsky's literary output includes novels, essays, and critiques that reveal his fascination with the spiritual and existential dilemmas faced by humanity.