The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe
The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.
Attend, my child, to the solemn teaching of Gustave Flaubert, who proclaimed: “The author, in his work, must be like God in the Universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.” In these words lies a mystery as profound as creation itself: the calling of the author is not to shine above his tale, but to breathe life into it as the unseen force that orders all things.
The heart of this wisdom is the power of presence without vanity. Just as the Universe bears the hand of the Divine—its stars set in motion, its rivers flowing, its creatures born and nourished—yet the Maker hides behind the veil, so must the writer weave his tale with quiet mastery. The reader should feel the pulse of the author’s soul in every word, though his figure remain unseen, for in such concealment lies the purity of art.
Beware, then, of the lure of visibility. Many are tempted to thrust themselves upon the stage of their work, seeking praise for their voice rather than reverence for the truth they carry. But the great artist, like the wise ruler, governs without demanding notice; his glory is not in his face being known, but in the harmony of the world he has set in motion. To be visible nowhere is the mark of the highest humility and the deepest craft.
Therefore, child of tomorrow, if you would create, take this lesson to heart: let your art be your testament, and let your name rest lightly upon it. Pour your spirit into your work as rain soaks the earth—felt in every blossom, yet never seen in the soil. In this way, you will mirror the path of the Divine, present in all, hidden from sight, leaving behind works that endure like the heavens themselves.
THThanh Trung Ho
I can’t help but feel a little conflicted about this idea from Flaubert. On one hand, it makes sense that the author’s work should transcend their personal presence, allowing the story to stand on its own. But on the other hand, can an author ever truly be invisible? Doesn’t every piece of writing carry a bit of the author’s essence? How can we tell when an author’s influence is too overt or too subtle in their own writing?
TTThanh Thu
This quote really makes me think about the role of an author in storytelling. Flaubert’s idea of being 'present everywhere and visible nowhere' suggests that the best writing is the one that lets the story and characters shine. But how do you avoid the temptation to make your own voice too loud in the narrative? Is it possible for writers to completely vanish from their work, or is that an ideal rather than a reality?
QTNguyen Quynh Trang
I find Flaubert’s view on authorship both intriguing and challenging. As a writer, how do you manage to remain ‘invisible’ while still guiding the reader’s experience? Is it about having a deep understanding of the characters and the world you’ve created, or is there more to it? What do you think would happen if the author’s influence were too visible—could that detract from the story?
BTDinh Bao Tram
Gustave Flaubert's idea about authorship is fascinating. The notion that the author should be present everywhere in their work but invisible is a profound perspective. It makes me wonder, how can an author ensure their presence is felt without overtly inserting themselves into the narrative? Can a story truly be successful if the author’s influence isn’t noticeable, or does that require a certain level of mastery in writing?