Three Tales

Synopsis

First published in 1877, these three stories are dominated by questions of doubt, love, loneliness and religious experience, and together form a triumphant conclusion to flaubert's literary career. With elegant simplicity, 'a simple heart' relates the story of félicité - an uneducated serving-woman who retains her catholic faith despite a life of desolation and loss. Inspired by a stained-glass window in rouen cathedral, 'the legend of saint julian hospitator' describes the fate of julian, a sadistic hunter destined to murder his own parents.