La Tentation de Saint-Antoine is a dramatic work by Gustave Flaubert that was published in 1874, not c.1925; the author spent his adult life working on the text in three different versions after being inspired by art depicting the saint. The narrative is written in the form of a dramatic poem or novel, detailing one night in the life of Saint Anthony the Great in the Egyptian desert, as he faces various temptations and inner turmoil.
Key aspects of La Tentation de Saint-Antoine
Theme: The work explores themes of temptation, spirituality, and the struggle between good and evil, as Saint Anthony confronts his inner demons and his faith.
Inspiration: Flaubert was inspired to write the work by a painting of the same title by Bruegel the Elder, as well as by a stained glass window in Rouen Cathedral.
Versions: The final published version in 1874 was the culmination of decades of work, with Flaubert having previously completed versions in 1849 and 1856.
Style: The book is described as a poetic dream, with Flaubert using vivid imagery and intricate storytelling to capture the logic of a dream and portray the saint's mental landscape.