"Madame Bovary" and "The Scarlet Letter"

Paper Summary:

The two novels "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert and "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, are categorized as two of the greatest works of arts in modern literature. This paper examines how, despite the differences in nationalities and cultural backgrounds of the two authors, their versatility and skillfulness have definitely led their novels into a strong success. The paper further compares the main themes and symbolism in the books as well as their different styles, their cultural back grounds and the presence of religion in both novels.

From the Paper:

"Irony is one of the main characteristics in both novels .In "Madame Bovary", however, irony is more evident due to Flaubert's strong refusal of his society much more than Hawthorne does. In chapter four , after the wedding Flaubert describes the newly weds : "it was he who gave the impression of having lost his virginity overnight :the bride made not the slightest sigh that could be taken to betray anything at all " In chapter nine ,When Rodolphe offers to escort Emma for a horse ride ,the unsuspected Charles tells him that his wife is at "...his disposal" and thus Flaubert here is stressing on the Bourgeoisie ' lack of intelligence . .Irony is found in "The Scarlet Letter'' as well ,as in chapter three , where Dimmesdale urges Hester to say the name of her lover ,ironically enough ,Dimmesdale himself is this lover : "I charge thee to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow sufferer !" . Another ironic gesture is shown when Hester's husband shouts at her among the crowd; "speak woman, speak and give your child a father!" implying that he is the one who should have been the baby's father. Moreover, Chillingworth, who dedicated himself to revenge from DImmesdale and Hester, fails at the end and dies leaving his money to his unfaithful wife and her daughter."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, Penguin classics
• Gustave Flaubert ;works ,Ain Shams university library
• Wikipedia , the free encyclopedia.

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• Book Review # 91379 : "Madame Bovary" and "The Scarlet Letter"
• Analytical Essay # 61846 : "Billy Budd" and "The Scarlet Letter"
• Comparison Essay # 99019 : "Evil in "The Crucible" and "The Scarlet Letter"

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