"An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere."

The french author, Gustave Flaubert, made those comments after reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin", and did so having expressed some level of displeasure with its tone and heavy-handed qualities. Flaubert had not approved of Stowe's excessive amount of moralizing and pedantry (in regards to that work's anti-slavery sentiment), which he felt to be unnecessary: "Does one have to make observations about slavery? Depict it; that's enough."

To what degree do Flaubert's arguments have a contemporary resonance, not only in books, but in all art forms, such as painting and film? Is the prevalence of an "author" in his/her work, ultimately a detriment to its success? Is too contrived and sanctimonious to be making an encompassing didactic, when merely a representation would suffice? Essentially, what role does a filmmaker/author/artist have in their creation? To present something, or comment on it? Both, perhaps, or neither?

 

In that quote Gustave Flaubert tries to apply limits to prose. There can be no limit--no barriers that confine artistic expression. In that sense, he couldn't be more incorrect. Stowe was an artist, she also was writing a novel for a reason. She wanted to shed light on the subject it make it clear what her point of view was. This is very similar to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. They write about injustice, and through use of tone, mood, word choice, and style--they make it clear how they feel about the subject.

All novels don't have the follow the same rules as Flaubert seems to think. An author is free to use whatever method, style or tone he or she pleases. Authors are artists and they have the right to do what they want with their works. They all have a reason for writing that novel. Some novels are written for political reasons, The Jungle, Heart of Darkness, Uncle Tom's Cabin, The Grapes of Wrath. Now not all of these authors made their opinions known within the work, however it can always be assumed how they view the subject matter. These authors are free to add their own opinions-it is their own work.

If an author chooses to reveal himself, that is his own decision.

-Seldon