Gustave Flaubert: 'The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.'

The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.

The quote by Gustave Flaubert, "The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere," is a profound statement that summarizes the role of an author and their relationship with their creations. On the surface, it emphasizes the author's omnipresence within their work, suggesting that they should be intricately involved in every aspect of their creation. The author must have a thorough understanding of their universe and characters, guiding them with an invisible hand. This quote emphasizes the importance of craft and the responsibility authors have to create an immersive and consistent experience for their readers.However, beyond the straightforward interpretation lies an intriguing philosophical concept. The comparison of the author to God raises intriguing questions about the nature of creation and the relationship between creator and creation. Flaubert implies that the author's role is not only to construct and shape their literary universe but also to relinquish complete control and allow the reader to engage and interpret their work freely.This unexpected philosophical concept challenges the traditional notion of authorial authority. If the author should be like God, then their creation should have the autonomy to exist independently. Just as God allows humans to make choices and form their own opinions, the author must grant their readers the freedom to interpret their work, allowing it to take on a life of its own beyond the pages. The readers become active participants in the act of creation; their own experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives shape the meaning and significance of the work. The author ceases to be a dictatorial presence and instead becomes a facilitator of personal exploration and discovery.To illustrate this concept further, let us consider an analogy. Imagine a sculptor creating a masterpiece. The sculptor painstakingly molds the clay, chisels away excess material, and shapes the contours with precision. However, once the sculpture is completed, it no longer belongs solely to the sculptor. It becomes an entity separate from its creator, open to interpretation by those who encounter it. Each viewer brings their unique perspective and emotions, finding their own meaning and significance in the art. Similarly, the author's creation evolves into a living entity through the process of reading. The words on the page come alive with the reader's imagination, emotions, and connections, transcending the boundaries set by the author's initial intentions.Flaubert's quote encapsulates the delicate balance that authors must strive to achieve. They must be present throughout their work, creating a coherent and engaging universe. The characters, settings, and narrative must be meticulously crafted to captivate the reader. However, the author must also be invisible, allowing the readers to form their own connections and interpretations. By wielding their craft like a master sculptor, authors shape their work, molding it with intention and expertise, but then step back, allowing their creation to breathe and evolve in the minds of those who engage with it.In essence, the quote reminds us that literature is a collaborative art form. It is a dance between the author's vision and the reader's interpretation. The author is the facilitator, the guide, and the orchestrator, but it is the reader who truly brings the work to life. The author, like God in the universe, must be present everywhere within the narrative, yet visible nowhere in the minds of the readers.