SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  10
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
Writer’s surname

1

Name
Course
Date
Madame Bovary

Do we, human beings living real life characters have control on our own destiny?
Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert deliberates how we hold our own destiny in our hands, by
molding it with our choice of actions. All her life Emma acts as a decision maker, each of her
decision affecting her fate and when one analyses her decisions it becomes evident that her
decisions made her suffer.

Gustave Flaubert’s renowned masterpiece Madame Bovary is widely considered to be a
cornerstone of the realism movement. Flaubert’s writing was meticulous and his styles have been
mimicked by many other authors around the world. The novel tells of a failed dreamer who
resorts to affairs and extravagant spending to satiate her dreams. Although many of his writings
could be considered scientific documentations of daily French life due to his intense attention to
detail, Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, published in 1856, also included a story line that told the life
of an “unfulfilled dreamer.” The inclusion of a time period-neutral story helps Madame Bovary
appeal to almost all audiences (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823-24). Although Flaubert’s works
give an objective view of society, they are heavily influenced by his personal experiences and
observations (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823). Madame Bovary is widely regarded as Flaubert’s
best literary work. The novel, which consumed five-years of his life, helped start a new theme in
literature (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823). His careful documentation of provincial life
Writer’s surname

2

compelled authors to write in a similarly realistic manner (“Flaubert biography”).Flaubet’s novel
opens with Charles Bovary as an adolescent in a new school. The novel quickly overviews
Charles’s education and first marriage, which ended in his wife’s death. Shortly before her death,
Charles, a less prestigious French doctor, becomes acquainted with the daughter, Emma Rouault,
of one of his clients. A casual, but loving, relationship ensues. Shortly after his wife’s death,
Charles whisks Emma away into marriage. Although their marriage is passionate at first, Emma
soon ventures down a path of dreaming and longing for what is out of her reach. This will
ultimately lead to her suicide. Emma’s longing for Paris, its lifestyle, and its culture become
permanent as she attends a fancy ball at La Vaubyessard. After returning to life in the small
village of Tostes, Emma becomes depressed. Charles relocates to the larger town of Yonville in
hopes of improving her spirits.

It is in Yonville that most of Madame Bovary’s plot takes place. She gives birth to her
daughter, Berthe, who she largely ignores. It is also here that she meets young Léon Dupuis, a
notary’s clerk, who has similar big city aspirations. Their relations are postponed after he moves
to Paris to attend law school. Emma then begins an affair with the debonair Rodolphe
Bourlanger. Emma enters a deep depression after their visits end two-year later. Emma is pulled
from her bout of depression when Léon Dupuis moves to nearby Rouen. Under the guise of
music lessons, Emma makes weekly journeys to the city to have an affair with Léon. Emma’s
second, and last, affair will end when her surmounting debts reach their tipping point. Combined
with the end of her affair and repossession of her home’s furnishings, Emma commits suicide by
Writer’s surname

3

ingesting arsenic. Charles will prematurely die from grief after Emma’s death. Berthe is sent to
live with a distant aunt and work in a cotton mill.

Although a dominant theme remains ambiguous in Madame Bovary, pursuing one’s
dreams and desires motivates the main character Emma Bovary (“Madame Bovary,” Norton
824). Therefore, it can be strongly argued that Flaubert’s main theme compares and contrasts our
dreams and reality. Also, while the novel does not expose Flaubert’s philosophy on society and
religion, it does take a stance on the bourgeoisie and Christianity. Emma was a dreamer who
failed to achieve her dreams because of societal constraints and self-constraints (“Madame
Bovary,” Norton 824). Throughout her life she had dreamed of romances and the society in cities
such as Paris. However, every advance Emma made towards achieving her goal pushed her
further into alternating cycles of depression, happiness, and self pity. The major theme of
achieving life-long dreams throughout the novel is also a jumping off point for Flaubert to
explore other topics of interest in the society of provincial France in the 1840’s.

Flaubert does not use Madame Bovary to espouse his philosophical views, it closely
parallels his life. Therefore, while the book was heavily influenced by his ideas on lifestyle and
society, its main intent was not to showcase Flaubert’s views. He stated that “Madame Bovary is
me” (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 826). The novel is a detailed analysis of the society surrounding
Flaubert and, therefore, has been influenced by his ideas on society. Emma had a life-long dream
that she believed would make her happier. However, every time she advanced further towards
her dream the unhappier she became. As a teenager in a convent and later at her father’s farm she
Writer’s surname

4

read romance novels that inflated her ideals of life and its happiness. Initially these books were
her only method of indulging her dreams. When she met and later married Charles, Emma was
filled with bliss and was one step closer to her life-long goal. However, after the novelty faded
Emma fell into a torpor. She was no longer as interested in Charles. Instead books and magazines
about life in Paris helped further her dream.

After moving to Yonville Emma’s depression subsided because she was another step
closer to realizing this dream. What she did not know was that this was only the second
revolution of her cycle of depression, happiness, and self-pity. This cycle took her through two
separate affairs. Emma would purchase the best goods and home furnishings from the local
salesman in an attempt to further her dream. Instead it caused enormous debt. With each
additional cycle Emma became more and more trapped, ultimately resulting in her suicide.
Instead of coping with the matter like a rational human, Emma resorted to activities that only
worsened her desire to live in Paris and mingle with the vibrant society and everything else she
did not have.

As the novel progresses Flaubert begins to compare and contrast Christianity and science.
The town’s priest symbolizes Christianity and Monsieur Homais symbolizes science. The priest,
Abbé Bournisien, believes in conservative values and traditions. Meanwhile Monsieur Homais
advocates progressive thinking and In Flaubert’s closing statements in the novel he writes,
“Three doctors have succeeded one another in Yonville.” The novel concludes with “[Monsieur
Homais] has just been awarded the cross of the Legion of Honor” (396). With those words
Writer’s surname

Flaubert is alluding to the failure of the Holy Trinity. Emma’s dreaming for what she does not
have encourages readers to reexamine their desires. Flaubert’s critique of society compels his
readers to critically think about their surroundings and take a second look at what they believe.
Ultimately Flaubert and Madame Bovary provide their readers with a compelling story of love
and hate, sadness and happiness while also focusing on how we view life and its meaning

5
References:

Flaubert biography. 5 Apr. 2008. Retrieved from
<http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/southeast/ bovary/biography.htm>.
Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Trans. Francis Steegmuller. New York: Random House,
1957.
Flaubert, G. Madame Bovary. Toronto: Bantam Books, 1972.
Guralnik, David B. Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
New York: Warner Books, 1982.
Madame Bovary essay
Madame Bovary essay
Madame Bovary essay
Madame Bovary essay

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman
Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman
Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman TanzeelRehman40
 
The Blessed Damozel, I Stanza
The Blessed Damozel, I StanzaThe Blessed Damozel, I Stanza
The Blessed Damozel, I Stanzathirumaraikkadu
 
The glass menagerie
The glass menagerieThe glass menagerie
The glass menagerieMero Sarade
 
Hamlet As Revenge Play
Hamlet As Revenge Play Hamlet As Revenge Play
Hamlet As Revenge Play Pina Gondaliya
 
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
The French Lieutenant’s WomanThe French Lieutenant’s Woman
The French Lieutenant’s WomanDhanesh Sebastian
 
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children NiyatiVyas
 
Passage to india2
Passage to india2Passage to india2
Passage to india2Stoic Mills
 
The Birthday party as a Comedy of Menace
The Birthday party as a Comedy of MenaceThe Birthday party as a Comedy of Menace
The Birthday party as a Comedy of MenaceKailash Baraiya
 
Wordsworth view on Theme and Subject matter of poetry.
Wordsworth view on  Theme and Subject matter of poetry.Wordsworth view on  Theme and Subject matter of poetry.
Wordsworth view on Theme and Subject matter of poetry.Mital Raval
 
Juno and the Paycock
Juno and the Paycock Juno and the Paycock
Juno and the Paycock Hifza Kiyani
 
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.Hard Times by Charles Dickens.
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.sibtainhassan
 
A Room of One's Own
A Room of One's OwnA Room of One's Own
A Room of One's Ownyggtic10
 
Thomas Hardy Jude the Obscure
Thomas Hardy Jude the ObscureThomas Hardy Jude the Obscure
Thomas Hardy Jude the ObscureHinabaSarvaiya
 

Tendances (20)

Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman
Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman
Word processor of the God by Stephen King Goliath by Neil Gaiman
 
The Blessed Damozel, I Stanza
The Blessed Damozel, I StanzaThe Blessed Damozel, I Stanza
The Blessed Damozel, I Stanza
 
The glass menagerie
The glass menagerieThe glass menagerie
The glass menagerie
 
E. M. Forster - A Passage to India
E. M. Forster - A Passage to IndiaE. M. Forster - A Passage to India
E. M. Forster - A Passage to India
 
Dr.Faustus
Dr.FaustusDr.Faustus
Dr.Faustus
 
Hamlet As Revenge Play
Hamlet As Revenge Play Hamlet As Revenge Play
Hamlet As Revenge Play
 
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
The French Lieutenant’s WomanThe French Lieutenant’s Woman
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
 
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children
Postcolonial Feminism In Midnight's Children
 
Sons and lovers ppt
Sons and lovers pptSons and lovers ppt
Sons and lovers ppt
 
Passage to india2
Passage to india2Passage to india2
Passage to india2
 
Oscar wilde (1854 1900)
Oscar wilde (1854 1900)Oscar wilde (1854 1900)
Oscar wilde (1854 1900)
 
The Birthday party as a Comedy of Menace
The Birthday party as a Comedy of MenaceThe Birthday party as a Comedy of Menace
The Birthday party as a Comedy of Menace
 
Madame bovary
Madame bovaryMadame bovary
Madame bovary
 
Wordsworth view on Theme and Subject matter of poetry.
Wordsworth view on  Theme and Subject matter of poetry.Wordsworth view on  Theme and Subject matter of poetry.
Wordsworth view on Theme and Subject matter of poetry.
 
Waiting for Godot.pdf
Waiting for Godot.pdfWaiting for Godot.pdf
Waiting for Godot.pdf
 
Juno and the Paycock
Juno and the Paycock Juno and the Paycock
Juno and the Paycock
 
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.Hard Times by Charles Dickens.
Hard Times by Charles Dickens.
 
A Room of One's Own
A Room of One's OwnA Room of One's Own
A Room of One's Own
 
A tale of two cities
A tale of two citiesA tale of two cities
A tale of two cities
 
Thomas Hardy Jude the Obscure
Thomas Hardy Jude the ObscureThomas Hardy Jude the Obscure
Thomas Hardy Jude the Obscure
 

Similaire à Madame Bovary essay

Examples Of Syntax In Madame Bovary
Examples Of Syntax In Madame BovaryExamples Of Syntax In Madame Bovary
Examples Of Syntax In Madame BovaryTanya Williams
 
Personality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame BovaryPersonality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame BovaryTracy Medellin
 
The Father Of Feminism In Madame Bovary
The Father Of Feminism In Madame BovaryThe Father Of Feminism In Madame Bovary
The Father Of Feminism In Madame BovaryKara Webber
 
Madame Bovary Critical Analysis
Madame Bovary Critical AnalysisMadame Bovary Critical Analysis
Madame Bovary Critical AnalysisMonica Carter
 
Summary Of Emma Bovary
Summary Of Emma BovarySummary Of Emma Bovary
Summary Of Emma BovaryHolly Vega
 
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame Bovary
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame BovaryThe Reality Of Romanticism In Madame Bovary
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame BovarySusan Migliaccio
 
Madame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary EssayMadame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary EssaySusan Cox
 
Theme Of Personification In Madame Bovary
Theme Of Personification In Madame BovaryTheme Of Personification In Madame Bovary
Theme Of Personification In Madame BovaryTonia Wallace
 
Madame Bovary Characteristics
Madame Bovary CharacteristicsMadame Bovary Characteristics
Madame Bovary CharacteristicsKimberly Gomez
 
Transgressive Women In Madame Bovary
Transgressive Women In Madame BovaryTransgressive Women In Madame Bovary
Transgressive Women In Madame BovaryJeannie Sutton
 
Madame Bovary Style Analysis
Madame Bovary Style AnalysisMadame Bovary Style Analysis
Madame Bovary Style AnalysisShauna Joy
 

Similaire à Madame Bovary essay (20)

Examples Of Syntax In Madame Bovary
Examples Of Syntax In Madame BovaryExamples Of Syntax In Madame Bovary
Examples Of Syntax In Madame Bovary
 
Conclusion Of Madame Bovary
Conclusion Of Madame BovaryConclusion Of Madame Bovary
Conclusion Of Madame Bovary
 
Personality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame BovaryPersonality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame Bovary
 
Personality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame BovaryPersonality In Madame Bovary
Personality In Madame Bovary
 
The Father Of Feminism In Madame Bovary
The Father Of Feminism In Madame BovaryThe Father Of Feminism In Madame Bovary
The Father Of Feminism In Madame Bovary
 
Realism In Madame Bovary
Realism In Madame BovaryRealism In Madame Bovary
Realism In Madame Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Critical Analysis
Madame Bovary Critical AnalysisMadame Bovary Critical Analysis
Madame Bovary Critical Analysis
 
Madame Bovary Foreshadowing Essay
Madame Bovary Foreshadowing EssayMadame Bovary Foreshadowing Essay
Madame Bovary Foreshadowing Essay
 
Summary Of Emma Bovary
Summary Of Emma BovarySummary Of Emma Bovary
Summary Of Emma Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary EssayMadame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary Essay
 
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame Bovary
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame BovaryThe Reality Of Romanticism In Madame Bovary
The Reality Of Romanticism In Madame Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary EssayMadame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary Essay
 
Theme Of Madame Bovary
Theme Of Madame BovaryTheme Of Madame Bovary
Theme Of Madame Bovary
 
Gender Roles In Madame Bovary
Gender Roles In Madame BovaryGender Roles In Madame Bovary
Gender Roles In Madame Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary EssayMadame Bovary Essay
Madame Bovary Essay
 
Theme Of Personification In Madame Bovary
Theme Of Personification In Madame BovaryTheme Of Personification In Madame Bovary
Theme Of Personification In Madame Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Characteristics
Madame Bovary CharacteristicsMadame Bovary Characteristics
Madame Bovary Characteristics
 
Transgressive Women In Madame Bovary
Transgressive Women In Madame BovaryTransgressive Women In Madame Bovary
Transgressive Women In Madame Bovary
 
Madame Bovary Style Analysis
Madame Bovary Style AnalysisMadame Bovary Style Analysis
Madame Bovary Style Analysis
 
Essay On Kate Chopin
Essay On Kate ChopinEssay On Kate Chopin
Essay On Kate Chopin
 

Plus de Irfan iftekhar

Unimanual and bimanual intensive training
Unimanual and bimanual intensive training Unimanual and bimanual intensive training
Unimanual and bimanual intensive training Irfan iftekhar
 
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3Irfan iftekhar
 
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...Irfan iftekhar
 
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation Surah al-Kahf and hibernation
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation Irfan iftekhar
 
Ramadan-The month of mercy
Ramadan-The month of mercyRamadan-The month of mercy
Ramadan-The month of mercyIrfan iftekhar
 
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelization
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelizationThe parousia expectation does it impact evangelization
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelizationIrfan iftekhar
 
A case study of irainian practice
A case study of irainian practiceA case study of irainian practice
A case study of irainian practiceIrfan iftekhar
 
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and Chocolates
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and ChocolatesThe Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and Chocolates
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and ChocolatesIrfan iftekhar
 
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...Irfan iftekhar
 
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commands
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commandsHistory of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commands
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commandsIrfan iftekhar
 
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and reward
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and rewardThe importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and reward
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and rewardIrfan iftekhar
 
Optimizing precision final approach through gbas
Optimizing precision final approach through gbasOptimizing precision final approach through gbas
Optimizing precision final approach through gbasIrfan iftekhar
 
Dimensions of physical and mental health
Dimensions of physical and mental healthDimensions of physical and mental health
Dimensions of physical and mental healthIrfan iftekhar
 
The place of liberalism in the 21st century
The place of liberalism in the 21st centuryThe place of liberalism in the 21st century
The place of liberalism in the 21st centuryIrfan iftekhar
 
The original ku klux klan
The original ku klux klanThe original ku klux klan
The original ku klux klanIrfan iftekhar
 
Cross cultural psychology in spain
Cross cultural psychology in spainCross cultural psychology in spain
Cross cultural psychology in spainIrfan iftekhar
 
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nut
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nutWhy the american peanut is the luckiet nut
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nutIrfan iftekhar
 

Plus de Irfan iftekhar (20)

Unimanual and bimanual intensive training
Unimanual and bimanual intensive training Unimanual and bimanual intensive training
Unimanual and bimanual intensive training
 
Speed reading for all
Speed reading for allSpeed reading for all
Speed reading for all
 
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3
Marketing Research- Gillette Mach-3
 
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...
Methodology of thesis 'research barriers in the implementation of reverse log...
 
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation Surah al-Kahf and hibernation
Surah al-Kahf and hibernation
 
Ramadan-The month of mercy
Ramadan-The month of mercyRamadan-The month of mercy
Ramadan-The month of mercy
 
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelization
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelizationThe parousia expectation does it impact evangelization
The parousia expectation does it impact evangelization
 
A case study of irainian practice
A case study of irainian practiceA case study of irainian practice
A case study of irainian practice
 
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and Chocolates
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and ChocolatesThe Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and Chocolates
The Disturbing Truth- Milk, Sugar and Chocolates
 
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...
A stuA study of non-monetary rewards as a motivation tooldy of monetary rewar...
 
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commands
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commandsHistory of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commands
History of ncia squadron heidelberg and the heidelberg nato commands
 
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and reward
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and rewardThe importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and reward
The importace of leadership and its connection to motivational and reward
 
Optimizing precision final approach through gbas
Optimizing precision final approach through gbasOptimizing precision final approach through gbas
Optimizing precision final approach through gbas
 
Positive thinking
Positive thinkingPositive thinking
Positive thinking
 
Dimensions of physical and mental health
Dimensions of physical and mental healthDimensions of physical and mental health
Dimensions of physical and mental health
 
The place of liberalism in the 21st century
The place of liberalism in the 21st centuryThe place of liberalism in the 21st century
The place of liberalism in the 21st century
 
The original ku klux klan
The original ku klux klanThe original ku klux klan
The original ku klux klan
 
Cross cultural psychology in spain
Cross cultural psychology in spainCross cultural psychology in spain
Cross cultural psychology in spain
 
Pharmacology alcohal
Pharmacology alcohalPharmacology alcohal
Pharmacology alcohal
 
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nut
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nutWhy the american peanut is the luckiet nut
Why the american peanut is the luckiet nut
 

Dernier

M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxM-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxDr. Santhosh Kumar. N
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxraviapr7
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfMohonDas
 
General views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepGeneral views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepobaje godwin sunday
 
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphPresentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphNetziValdelomar1
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxraviapr7
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxAditiChauhan701637
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxraviapr7
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptxmary850239
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsEugene Lysak
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.EnglishCEIPdeSigeiro
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE
 
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17Celine George
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRATanmoy Mishra
 
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.raviapr7
 

Dernier (20)

M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxM-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
 
General views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepGeneral views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and step
 
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quizPrelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
 
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a ParagraphPresentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
Presentation on the Basics of Writing. Writing a Paragraph
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
 
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...
CHUYÊN ĐỀ DẠY THÊM TIẾNG ANH LỚP 11 - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 - HK...
 
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
 
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
 

Madame Bovary essay

  • 1. Writer’s surname 1 Name Course Date Madame Bovary Do we, human beings living real life characters have control on our own destiny? Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert deliberates how we hold our own destiny in our hands, by molding it with our choice of actions. All her life Emma acts as a decision maker, each of her decision affecting her fate and when one analyses her decisions it becomes evident that her decisions made her suffer. Gustave Flaubert’s renowned masterpiece Madame Bovary is widely considered to be a cornerstone of the realism movement. Flaubert’s writing was meticulous and his styles have been mimicked by many other authors around the world. The novel tells of a failed dreamer who resorts to affairs and extravagant spending to satiate her dreams. Although many of his writings could be considered scientific documentations of daily French life due to his intense attention to detail, Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, published in 1856, also included a story line that told the life of an “unfulfilled dreamer.” The inclusion of a time period-neutral story helps Madame Bovary appeal to almost all audiences (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823-24). Although Flaubert’s works give an objective view of society, they are heavily influenced by his personal experiences and observations (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823). Madame Bovary is widely regarded as Flaubert’s best literary work. The novel, which consumed five-years of his life, helped start a new theme in literature (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 823). His careful documentation of provincial life
  • 2. Writer’s surname 2 compelled authors to write in a similarly realistic manner (“Flaubert biography”).Flaubet’s novel opens with Charles Bovary as an adolescent in a new school. The novel quickly overviews Charles’s education and first marriage, which ended in his wife’s death. Shortly before her death, Charles, a less prestigious French doctor, becomes acquainted with the daughter, Emma Rouault, of one of his clients. A casual, but loving, relationship ensues. Shortly after his wife’s death, Charles whisks Emma away into marriage. Although their marriage is passionate at first, Emma soon ventures down a path of dreaming and longing for what is out of her reach. This will ultimately lead to her suicide. Emma’s longing for Paris, its lifestyle, and its culture become permanent as she attends a fancy ball at La Vaubyessard. After returning to life in the small village of Tostes, Emma becomes depressed. Charles relocates to the larger town of Yonville in hopes of improving her spirits. It is in Yonville that most of Madame Bovary’s plot takes place. She gives birth to her daughter, Berthe, who she largely ignores. It is also here that she meets young Léon Dupuis, a notary’s clerk, who has similar big city aspirations. Their relations are postponed after he moves to Paris to attend law school. Emma then begins an affair with the debonair Rodolphe Bourlanger. Emma enters a deep depression after their visits end two-year later. Emma is pulled from her bout of depression when Léon Dupuis moves to nearby Rouen. Under the guise of music lessons, Emma makes weekly journeys to the city to have an affair with Léon. Emma’s second, and last, affair will end when her surmounting debts reach their tipping point. Combined with the end of her affair and repossession of her home’s furnishings, Emma commits suicide by
  • 3. Writer’s surname 3 ingesting arsenic. Charles will prematurely die from grief after Emma’s death. Berthe is sent to live with a distant aunt and work in a cotton mill. Although a dominant theme remains ambiguous in Madame Bovary, pursuing one’s dreams and desires motivates the main character Emma Bovary (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 824). Therefore, it can be strongly argued that Flaubert’s main theme compares and contrasts our dreams and reality. Also, while the novel does not expose Flaubert’s philosophy on society and religion, it does take a stance on the bourgeoisie and Christianity. Emma was a dreamer who failed to achieve her dreams because of societal constraints and self-constraints (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 824). Throughout her life she had dreamed of romances and the society in cities such as Paris. However, every advance Emma made towards achieving her goal pushed her further into alternating cycles of depression, happiness, and self pity. The major theme of achieving life-long dreams throughout the novel is also a jumping off point for Flaubert to explore other topics of interest in the society of provincial France in the 1840’s. Flaubert does not use Madame Bovary to espouse his philosophical views, it closely parallels his life. Therefore, while the book was heavily influenced by his ideas on lifestyle and society, its main intent was not to showcase Flaubert’s views. He stated that “Madame Bovary is me” (“Madame Bovary,” Norton 826). The novel is a detailed analysis of the society surrounding Flaubert and, therefore, has been influenced by his ideas on society. Emma had a life-long dream that she believed would make her happier. However, every time she advanced further towards her dream the unhappier she became. As a teenager in a convent and later at her father’s farm she
  • 4. Writer’s surname 4 read romance novels that inflated her ideals of life and its happiness. Initially these books were her only method of indulging her dreams. When she met and later married Charles, Emma was filled with bliss and was one step closer to her life-long goal. However, after the novelty faded Emma fell into a torpor. She was no longer as interested in Charles. Instead books and magazines about life in Paris helped further her dream. After moving to Yonville Emma’s depression subsided because she was another step closer to realizing this dream. What she did not know was that this was only the second revolution of her cycle of depression, happiness, and self-pity. This cycle took her through two separate affairs. Emma would purchase the best goods and home furnishings from the local salesman in an attempt to further her dream. Instead it caused enormous debt. With each additional cycle Emma became more and more trapped, ultimately resulting in her suicide. Instead of coping with the matter like a rational human, Emma resorted to activities that only worsened her desire to live in Paris and mingle with the vibrant society and everything else she did not have. As the novel progresses Flaubert begins to compare and contrast Christianity and science. The town’s priest symbolizes Christianity and Monsieur Homais symbolizes science. The priest, Abbé Bournisien, believes in conservative values and traditions. Meanwhile Monsieur Homais advocates progressive thinking and In Flaubert’s closing statements in the novel he writes, “Three doctors have succeeded one another in Yonville.” The novel concludes with “[Monsieur Homais] has just been awarded the cross of the Legion of Honor” (396). With those words
  • 5. Writer’s surname Flaubert is alluding to the failure of the Holy Trinity. Emma’s dreaming for what she does not have encourages readers to reexamine their desires. Flaubert’s critique of society compels his readers to critically think about their surroundings and take a second look at what they believe. Ultimately Flaubert and Madame Bovary provide their readers with a compelling story of love and hate, sadness and happiness while also focusing on how we view life and its meaning 5
  • 6. References: Flaubert biography. 5 Apr. 2008. Retrieved from <http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/southeast/ bovary/biography.htm>. Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Trans. Francis Steegmuller. New York: Random House, 1957. Flaubert, G. Madame Bovary. Toronto: Bantam Books, 1972. Guralnik, David B. Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language. New York: Warner Books, 1982.