My degree is in French, and the first majors course I took, as a second semester freshman, was "Development of the French Novel". Madame Bovary was one of the novels; our professor gave us a week to read and digest it. I felt like a studio wrestler getting body-slammed. :)
Now that I'm retired, one of my projects is to re-read those books and take the time to enjoy - or at least comprehend - them.
There is one other character who might have an unfulfilled love--the old widow who marries Charles on the advice of Charles's mother (so he can inherit her fortune). The poor woman basically dies without comment and Charles moves on to Emma, who moves on from him in turn. And I do think that Emma, within her limits, has real affection for both her lovers, even if perhaps their desertion hurts her pride more than her heart.
That’s true. She’s not sympathetic, but she does love Charles. And he understands she loves him. He doesn’t love her, but he doesn’t pretend to himself that he does. Speaks well of him.
Fascinating essay. I admit to having an ambivalent attitude toward this book - it's so well done, but also hopeless and kind of claustrophobic (and, as you noted, a little sadistic).
Thanks, I enjoyed this essay. I have to admit, I would not have thought to identify those techniques of Flaubert's, and in fact I only vaguely recognize them from the book!
Thank you so much for this. I read Madame Bovary in my 20's (now close to 80) and was in pain for quite a while afterward (still?) for the plight of her husband, Charles. Actually I did not remember her deathbed gesture toward him, so I'm glad to know it now. Your essay beautifully expressed - will read your work again.
Thanks for reading. Poor Charles. I think that moment where he has a drink with Rodolphe and reflects, "No one is to blame, it was fate" is the closest thing to redemption in the book.
My degree is in French, and the first majors course I took, as a second semester freshman, was "Development of the French Novel". Madame Bovary was one of the novels; our professor gave us a week to read and digest it. I felt like a studio wrestler getting body-slammed. :)
Now that I'm retired, one of my projects is to re-read those books and take the time to enjoy - or at least comprehend - them.
I enjoyed the essay!
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for reading.
There is one other character who might have an unfulfilled love--the old widow who marries Charles on the advice of Charles's mother (so he can inherit her fortune). The poor woman basically dies without comment and Charles moves on to Emma, who moves on from him in turn. And I do think that Emma, within her limits, has real affection for both her lovers, even if perhaps their desertion hurts her pride more than her heart.
That’s true. She’s not sympathetic, but she does love Charles. And he understands she loves him. He doesn’t love her, but he doesn’t pretend to himself that he does. Speaks well of him.
Fascinating essay. I admit to having an ambivalent attitude toward this book - it's so well done, but also hopeless and kind of claustrophobic (and, as you noted, a little sadistic).
Since you mentioned Nabokov, I wrote about his lecture on "Bovary," here: https://lakefrontreview.substack.com/p/nabokov-on-flaubert
Thanks, I enjoyed this essay. I have to admit, I would not have thought to identify those techniques of Flaubert's, and in fact I only vaguely recognize them from the book!
I agree with the others, this is an insightful essay…and it’s courageous to take on an assessment of Madame Bovary.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
Thank you so much for this. I read Madame Bovary in my 20's (now close to 80) and was in pain for quite a while afterward (still?) for the plight of her husband, Charles. Actually I did not remember her deathbed gesture toward him, so I'm glad to know it now. Your essay beautifully expressed - will read your work again.
Thanks for reading. Poor Charles. I think that moment where he has a drink with Rodolphe and reflects, "No one is to blame, it was fate" is the closest thing to redemption in the book.
This was a satisfying read. Very “chewy”. Thank you for posting!
Thanks for reading!
Great essay!
You might be interested in this essay I wrote about "Madame Bovary"
https://kabiraltaf.substack.com/p/flauberts-negativity-and-his-portrayal