Flaubert is best known for Madame Bovary, a masterpiece of realism celebrated for its precise style and psychological depth. He was a perfectionist who sought 'le mot juste' (the right word) in every sentence. His work, including Sentimental Education and Salammbô, often explored the gap between romantic ideals and the banality of everyday life. His influence on subsequent writers, particularly through his objective narrative technique, was immense, making him a central figure in world literature.