Gustave Flaubert - Madame Bovary

Definition

Gustave Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' is a novel published in 1856 that follows the life of Emma Bovary, a woman trapped in a mundane provincial life who seeks romance and excitement through extramarital affairs and materialism. The book is a cornerstone of the European novel, representing the shift towards realism in literature by focusing on the psychological depth of characters and social critique, especially the constraints placed on women in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Madame Bovary' was groundbreaking for its time due to its unflinching portrayal of a woman's dissatisfaction with domestic life, which sparked controversy and legal issues regarding obscenity.
2. The novel is structured in three parts: Emma's early life, her marriage to Charles Bovary, and her eventual downfall, reflecting the progression of her disillusionment.
3. Flaubert's careful crafting of sentences and use of free indirect discourse allows readers to deeply engage with Emma's internal struggles while maintaining narrative distance.
4. The themes of illusion versus reality are central to the novel, as Emma's romantic fantasies clash with the stark realities of her life, leading to her tragic end.
5. Flaubert's exploration of the consequences of desire and societal expectations positioned 'Madame Bovary' as a precursor to modern feminist literature.

Review Questions

• How does 'Madame Bovary' illustrate the characteristics of realism in literature?
  • 'Madame Bovary' exemplifies realism through its detailed depiction of everyday life in a provincial French town and its focus on the psychological struggles of Emma Bovary. Flaubert portrays the banality of Emma's existence while also exploring her deep dissatisfaction with her circumstances. The novel avoids romanticizing its subjects, instead highlighting the stark contrast between Emma's fantasies and her actual life experiences, which aligns with the principles of realism.
• Analyze how Flaubert's narrative style contributes to the themes explored in 'Madame Bovary'.
  • Flaubert's narrative style employs free indirect discourse, allowing readers to access Emma's inner thoughts while maintaining an objective narrative voice. This technique enhances the exploration of themes such as alienation and desire by immersing readers in Emma's psychological turmoil. Additionally, Flaubert's meticulous attention to language and detail emphasizes the disparity between illusion and reality, deepening the impact of Emma's tragic journey.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Madame Bovary' on later literary movements and feminist discourse.
  • 'Madame Bovary' has had a profound influence on later literary movements, particularly modernism and feminism. Its focus on psychological depth paved the way for future psychological novels that prioritize character introspection. Furthermore, Emma's struggles against societal norms have made 'Madame Bovary' an important text in feminist literature, prompting discussions about women's roles and desires within restrictive societies. The novel encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of societal expectations, making it relevant across different contexts.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life and society as it is, often emphasizing the mundane and ordinary experiences of characters.

Psychological Novel: A genre that explores the inner thoughts and feelings of characters, focusing on their motivations and emotional experiences.

Flaubertian Style: A narrative technique characterized by meticulous attention to detail, precision in language, and a focus on aesthetic beauty in prose.