Gustave Flaubert: 'One mustn't always believe that feeling is everything. In the arts, it is nothing without form.'

One mustn't always believe that feeling is everything. In the arts, it is nothing without form.

Gustave Flaubert, one of the greatest novelists of the 19th century, once said, "One mustn't always believe that feeling is everything. In the arts, it is nothing without form." This famous quote encapsulates a profound insight into the world of artistic creation and provokes us to question the inherent relationship between feeling and form. Summarizing the essence of this quote, Flaubert suggests that while emotions and sentiments are undoubtedly important, they alone are insufficient to create compelling works of art. Rather, it is the way these emotions are molded and structured within a specific form that gives them meaning and the power to touch the depths of our souls.At first glance, it may seem contradictory to claim that feeling is nothing without form, as art is often associated with expressing and eliciting strong emotions. We are accustomed to valuing art based on the depth of emotion it evokes within us. However, Flaubert invites us to dive deeper into the relationship between feeling and form, shedding light on an unexpected aspect of artistic creation.One way to comprehend this concept is to consider the analogy of a body without a skeleton. Emotions, like the flesh and blood of a living being, are essential elements of art. They provide the substance, the life force that animates a creative endeavor. But without the framework of form, without the structure that gives shape and coherence to these emotions, they may remain disjointed and lacking impact.Just as a skeleton supports and gives form to the body, the artistic form provides the necessary structure for emotions to be effectively communicated and understood. It acts as a vessel, allowing the viewer or reader to engage with the artist's intent. Without form, feelings may run wild, losing direction and coherence. It is the role of form to guide these emotions, providing a framework for them to be channeled and expressed.Moreover, form in art is not limited to its physical manifestation. It encompasses the arrangement, composition, rhythm, and style in which the emotions are presented. Think of the poetic structure of a sonnet or the carefully choreographed movements in a ballet performance. These forms enhance and shape the emotions being conveyed, enabling them to be apprehended and appreciated more fully. By employing various artistic techniques and conventions, artists are able to control the impact and resonance of their work, intensifying the emotional experience of the audience.To illustrate this perspective, let's consider a painting that evokes a sense of melancholy. The artist's ability to convey this emotion is not solely dependent on the intensity of their feelings but also on the way they choose to represent it. The color palette, brushwork, composition, and overall arrangement of the painting play a crucial role in translating the artist's emotions into a visual language that resonates with viewers. Without careful consideration of form, the painting may fail to effectively communicate the intended emotional impact.In essence, Flaubert's quote urges us to recognize that feeling alone does not guarantee artistic greatness. It is through the marriage of feeling and form that art truly flourishes. Emotions must be complemented by form to give them meaning, organization, and the ability to transcend personal experiences and touch a wider audience.In conclusion, Gustave Flaubert's insightful quote, "One mustn't always believe that feeling is everything. In the arts, it is nothing without form," highlights the indispensability of form in the creation of impactful art. While emotions are undoubtedly crucial, it is the careful alignment of these emotions within a coherent and deliberate structure that breathes life into artistic endeavors. Art that successfully merges feeling and form possesses the power to stir our souls, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.