The main theme of Gustave Flaubert's ""Three Short Works"" revolves around the complexity of human experience and the interplay between life, death, and spirituality.
In ""The Dance of Death,"" the narrative unfolds through a series of allegorical encounters between Death and various individuals, illustrating the universality of mortality. ""The Legend of Saint-Julian the Hospitaller"" presents themes of redemption and the transformative power of compassion. Julian's journey from a violent past to a life of service highlights the struggle between innate tendencies and the possibility of change. ""A Simple Soul"" delves into the life of Félicité, whose unwavering devotion and simple faith illuminate the beauty and profundity of ordinary existence. Through her story, Flaubert examines the complexities of love, loss, and the search for meaning.
Together, these works reflect Flaubert's exploration of existential themes, the human condition, and the search for understanding in a world filled with contradictions.