Unlike the other two stories in the collection Three Tales, "A Simple Heart" is not a historical reconstruction. It is set in the time and place of the author, reflecting the attitudes and practices of nineteenth-century France. Félicité embodies a realistic portrayal of a woman living in the France that Flaubert experienced and observed.

Romanticism and Realism in Nineteenth-Century France

Flaubert is a prominent figure in the realist movement, and "A Simple Heart" exemplifies his approach. Realist writers aimed to depict life in its most unembellished form, avoiding exaggeration. They saw themselves as chroniclers, striving to document their worlds with honesty and objectivity. Unlike their romantic predecessors, they did not prioritize conventional morality; instead, their works were guided by logic, common sense, and pragmatism. Realism emerged as a response to romanticism, which had dominated French literature earlier in the century. The romantic movement, which began in late eighteenth-century Europe, focused on nature, individualism, imagination, and emotion. Ultimately, realism became the prevailing literary style by the end of the century.

Political and Social Influences in Nineteenth-Century France

The realist school in French literature gained momentum following the 1851 coup d'etat that brought Louis Napoleon to power. Louis Napoleon, the nephew of Emperor Napoleon I (Napoleon Bonaparte), who had abdicated in 1815, declared himself emperor in 1852 and ruled as Napoleon III until 1870. Realism, in many respects, was a reaction to the social climate of the "Second Empire." While many accumulated wealth in this burgeoning capitalist society, the disparity between the rich and the poor seemed to grow. The bourgeoisie, or entrepreneurial middle class, dominated society and politics, fostering a sense of self-satisfaction and self-righteousness among the wealthy. Prosperity, respectability, conformity, and order were highly valued both politically and socially. Simultaneously, there was unrest among the lower class, with workers discontented with their conditions and social revolution and political anarchy simmering beneath the surface.

The Catholic Church in Nineteenth-Century France

In nineteenth-century France, the Roman Catholic Church held a prominent position, but its authority faced challenges from positivist philosophy. This philosophy, developed by Auguste Comte, dismissed romantic ideas such as dreams, imagination, mysticism, and even the concept of God. Positivism demanded scientific proof and visual evidence, rejecting anything based on faith as mere fantasy. Gaining popularity in French social and intellectual spheres, positivism thus questioned the Church's doctrines.

Many critics of "A Simple Heart" have pointed out the significant religious symbolism and critique of the Church and its adherents within the story. Indeed, many of Félicité's beliefs are deeply rooted in her faith. As a servant to all and a peasant herself, she may symbolize the simple, uneducated, and devoutly religious class of nineteenth-century France.

Exploring Point of View

Gustave Flaubert’s "A Simple Heart" is an exemplary study in the power of narrative technique. Critic Victor Brombert praises Flaubert's mastery in crafting a protagonist, Félicité, who is both inarticulate and uneducated, yet manages to captivate readers by inviting them into her world. This is achieved through a dual perspective: externally, with a detached and factual omniscient narrator, and internally, by delving into Félicité's thoughts and motives. This layered perspective not only allows readers to witness the genuine goodness in Félicité’s actions contrasted against the self-serving attitudes of those around her but also fosters empathy towards her. The absence of the narrator’s direct opinion serves as a canvas for readers to paint their own interpretations of the story’s deeper meanings.

The Role of Irony

Irony is subtly woven into the fabric of "A Simple Heart," enhancing the narrative’s complexity. Although the narrator refrains from overt commentary, the juxtaposition of the protagonist’s innocence against...