Description
The Temptation of St. Anthony (La Tentation de saint Antoine) is a philosophical and literary work by Gustave Flaubert. Flaubert wrote several versions of this work throughout his life, with the final version published in 1874. The book is often categorized as a dramatic prose poem or a fantasy, but it is a rich tapestry of philosophical, religious, and psychological exploration.
The narrative centers on St. Anthony the Great, an early Christian monk who lived in the Egyptian desert and is often associated with Christian asceticism and monasticism. The story unfolds as a series of temptations and visions that St. Anthony experiences while he is alone in the desert. The scenes are highly symbolic and filled with a mix of fantastical elements, theological arguments, and philosophical musings.