Flaubert — Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
"Flaubert" is one of the shortest chapters in Musical Tables, presenting a single, focused image rather than a narrative arc. The poem depicts the French novelist Gustave Flaubert in the act of composition. He is searching for the right word—the precise term that will satisfy his exacting standards. As he looks, several wrong words appear in his window. The chapter ends there, leaving the reader with the image of a writer surrounded by rejected alternatives, still seeking the one correct expression.
The scene is deliberately minimal. There is no dialogue, no setting beyond the implied room with a window, and no action other than the writer's search and the arrival of the wrong words. The poem captures a moment of creative struggle, emphasizing the process of elimination that often precedes a final choice. The wrong words are personified as visitors who present themselves at the window, as if they are knocking to be considered, only to be dismissed as Flaubert continues his hunt.
Because the chapter is so brief, its meaning relies heavily on the reader's familiarity with Flaubert's reputation as a stylist obsessed with le mot juste—the exact word that conveys the intended nuance. The poem distills that obsession into a single visual metaphor: the wrong words gathering at the window like suitors who fail to meet the standard.
Key Events
The chapter contains only one event, which can be broken down into two moments:
- Flaubert is engaged in a search for the right word.
- Several wrong words appear in his window while he searches.
There is no resolution or conclusion. The poem does not show Flaubert finding the word, nor does it describe the wrong words leaving. The scene is static, a freeze-frame of a writer at work.
Character Development
The only character is Flaubert, and the chapter does not show any change in him. Instead, it reveals a trait: his relentless pursuit of precision. The image of the wrong words appearing at the window suggests that Flaubert is aware of many possible choices but rejects them. His character is defined by his standards, not by any action or dialogue. The poem implies a quiet determination—he continues looking even as alternatives present themselves.
The wrong words themselves function as minor characters or agents. They are not described individually, but their collective presence at the window gives them a kind of personality. They are persistent, perhaps even eager, yet they are ultimately inadequate. This dynamic highlights Flaubert's role as a gatekeeper who decides what is acceptable.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Several themes and symbols are evident in this short chapter, all traceable to the evidence:
- The search for the right word: The central theme is the writer's quest for precision. The chapter dramatizes the internal process of choosing language, making it external and visible.
- Wrong words as intruders: The wrong words appear at the window, a symbol of the boundary between the writer's mind and the outside world. They are not invited in; they simply show up. This suggests that unwanted or imperfect options are always present, hovering at the edges of consciousness.
- The writing process: The chapter offers a microcosm of the creative act—the trial-and-error, the rejection of alternatives, and the ongoing effort to find the perfect expression. It emphasizes that writing is not a sudden inspiration but a labor of selection.
- The window as a threshold: The window is a recurring motif in literature, often representing a view into another realm. Here, it serves as the point where wrong words appear, perhaps symbolizing the intrusion of the imperfect into the writer's private space.
- Le mot juste: Though not explicitly named in the poem, the concept is central. Flaubert's historical reputation for seeking the exact word gives the chapter its resonance. The poem illustrates this pursuit in a single, memorable image.
Why This Chapter Matters
"Flaubert" matters for several reasons. First, it exemplifies the collection's approach to poetry: short, image-driven pieces that capture a single moment with clarity and wit. The chapter is a perfect example of how a few lines can evoke a complex idea—here, the agony and discipline of writing.
Second, the chapter connects to a broader literary tradition. Flaubert is a towering figure in the development of the modern novel, and his dedication to style has influenced countless writers. By placing him in a whimsical, almost surreal scene, Collins humanizes the legendary author, showing him not as a distant genius but as a worker struggling with the same challenges any writer faces.
Third, the poem invites reflection on the nature of choice. The wrong words are not inherently bad; they are simply not right for the context. The chapter suggests that precision is a matter of selection, not of avoiding mistakes entirely. This idea resonates beyond writing, applying to any decision-making process.
Finally, the chapter's brevity is itself meaningful. It demonstrates that a poem does not need length to have impact. The image of wrong words at the window is memorable and evocative, staying with the reader long after the page is turned.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does the window symbolize in this chapter?
The window represents the boundary between the writer's inner world and the external realm of language. The wrong words appear at the window, not inside the room, suggesting that they are external possibilities that have not yet been admitted into the poem. The window also implies a view—Flaubert can see the options, but he has not yet chosen one. It is a threshold between the mind and the world, where ideas present themselves for consideration.
2. How does the chapter portray the writing process?
The chapter portrays writing as a process of elimination. Flaubert is not shown receiving inspiration or writing fluently; instead, he is searching, and the wrong words are arriving. This suggests that writing involves rejecting many possibilities before finding the right one. The poem emphasizes the labor of composition, the patience required, and the constant presence of imperfect alternatives. It also implies that the right word is not immediately available—it must be sought.
3. Why might Collins have chosen Flaubert as the subject of this poem?
Flaubert is historically associated with the pursuit of le mot juste, making him an ideal figure to illustrate the theme of word choice. By depicting him in a moment of search, Collins connects the poem to a well-known literary ideal. Additionally, Flaubert's reputation as a meticulous stylist contrasts with the brevity of the poem, creating a playful tension. The choice also allows Collins to comment on the universal struggle of writers, using a famous example to make the point accessible.