Madame Bovary

Paper Summary:

The paper studies the differences between Flaubert's depictions of Emma and other characters in his book. The thesis of this paper is that Flaubert was more kind to Emma than other characters in the book. The paper portrays that although she is often seen as stupid, she is less offensive than the mean spirited, lewd and heartless, incompetent and self-centered men that come in and out of her life.

From the Paper:

"The character of Emma, the Madame Bovary in the title, is often seen as stupid because of her endless and utterly futile romanticism. This paper will attempt to demonstrate Flaubert's affection for her, through his more forgiving treatment of her than his other characters. Although the reader might have little sympathy for Emma, there is a chance for some, whereas with the other major characters in Madame Bovary, the reader is frequently left with only feelings of disgust and hatred for them. This sympathy which makes her a superior character. The differences between Emma and the other characters becomes more pronounced once the Bovary's move to Yonville and make the acquaintances of the townspeople who become significant throughout the rest of the book. Charles and Emma move to the new town in hopes of lifting her miserable despair over the boredom and monotony of peasant life in Tostes."

More papers on Madame Bovary:

• Book Review # 71182 : "Madame Bovary"
• Book Review # 95013 : "Madame Bovary"
• Analytical Essay # 32392 : "Madame Bovary"
• Book Review # 97369 : "Madame Bovary"--A Review"

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