Gustave Flaubert's works often explore themes of social realism, the human condition, and the quest for authenticity. He is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative narrative techniques, most notably in "Madame Bovary," where he critiques bourgeois society and the constraints of gender roles. His characters frequently exhibit a sense of dissatisfaction and existential ennui, reflecting Flaubert's belief in the absurd nature of life. The themes of disillusionment and the conflict between passion and societal expectations are prevalent in his oeuvre, highlighting the complexity of human desires and aspirations.