"The true poet for me is a priest. As soon as he dons the cassock, he must leave his family"

In this quote, Gustave Flaubert is comparing a poet to a priest. He believes that a real poet is like a priest, as they both have a sacred duty to satisfy. Simply as a priest must place on his cassock, a poet needs to also put on a particular personality or function when writing. This persona is separate from their personal life and family. Flaubert suggests that in order to fully embrace their poetic calling, a poet should detach themselves from their individual ties and focus exclusively on their craft. This quote highlights the commitment and sacrifice that is needed to be a real poet.