Madame Bovary

Definition

Madame Bovary is a novel written by Gustave Flaubert, published in 1856, that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a young woman who seeks escape from her mundane provincial life through romantic fantasies and extravagant spending. This work is often considered a cornerstone of Realist literature, as it explores themes of disillusionment, societal expectations, and the consequences of pursuing unattainable desires.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was highly controversial upon its release due to its candid portrayal of adultery and critiques of bourgeois society, leading to a trial for obscenity.
2. Flaubert meticulously crafted Madame Bovary's character to embody the struggles faced by women in a restrictive society, making her a symbol of romantic dissatisfaction.
3. Emma Bovary's tragic fate stems from her inability to reconcile her romantic ideals with the constraints of her reality, showcasing the central theme of disillusionment.
4. The detailed descriptions of provincial life in the novel serve to create an authentic backdrop that highlights Emma's isolation and yearning for a more glamorous existence.
5. Madame Bovary has influenced countless authors and works in literature, establishing Flaubert as a key figure in the transition from Romanticism to Realism.

Review Questions

• How does Flaubert use Emma Bovary's character to illustrate the principles of Realism?
  • Flaubert employs Emma Bovary as a lens through which he examines the constraints placed on women in 19th-century society. Her character embodies the conflict between romantic aspirations and the harsh realities of provincial life. This portrayal aligns with Realist principles, as it emphasizes genuine human experience while revealing the consequences of societal expectations and personal desires.
• Discuss the significance of social critique in Madame Bovary and how it reflects the era in which it was written.
  • Social critique plays a pivotal role in Madame Bovary, as Flaubert scrutinizes the bourgeois lifestyle and its associated values. Through Emma's struggles and ultimate downfall, Flaubert exposes the emptiness of materialism and the pitfalls of social ambition. This critique not only resonates with readers of his time but continues to spark discussions about societal norms and individual fulfillment in modern contexts.
• Evaluate how Flaubert’s narrative style contributes to the themes presented in Madame Bovary.
  • Flaubert’s narrative style is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a focus on psychological depth, enhancing the themes of disillusionment and unfulfilled desire. His use of free indirect discourse allows readers to closely experience Emma's internal struggles while maintaining an ironic distance from her aspirations. This technique deepens the exploration of her character and highlights the tragic outcomes of her pursuits, effectively illustrating the gap between dreams and reality.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, focusing on the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people, often highlighting social issues and moral dilemmas.

Flaubertian Irony: A style characteristic of Gustave Flaubert's writing that often highlights the disparity between characters' aspirations and their harsh realities, creating a sense of tragic irony.

Social Critique: The examination and critique of societal norms and values, particularly as they relate to class, gender, and morality, often seen in Realist literature.