Power and Powerlessness in Gustave Flaubert's Three Tales and Gertrude Stein's Three Lives

For centuries man has schemed, lied and fought in a quest to gain power and influence over others. With every passing generation, man's lust for power is born anew, and the present is no exception. Ambitious men and women win and lose elections around the world; wars bloodily determine which person or party will retain or gain power; people use blackmail to gain influence over the decisions and property of others; but to what end? Does the acquisition of power lead directly to a happy existence? Should one strive for earthly power, or should they sacrifice it in hopes of achieving glory after death? Two composite novels which (in extremely different manners) demonstrate themes and consequences of power and powerlessness are Gustave Flaubert's Three Tales and Gertrude Stein's Three Lives.

The first story of Flaubert's composite novel, A Simple Heart, is a portrait of the life and powerlessness of a poor, uneducated maidservant named Félicité. Throughout the story, Félicité has no self-serving power because her power benefits others. Félicité is noted for her religious loyalty and hard work when each day she would wake up "at dawn, so as not to miss Mass" and work "until evening without stopping" (Flaubert 18). Félicité labors day and night for her religion and those she loves; she never thinks to question why she gives so much of herself to her religion and her work while receiving only a meager reward.