Madame Bovary

Madame Bovary is a novel by Gustave Flaubert that raised a scandal when it was first published in 1857 and is now seen as one of the first modern realistic novel. After publishing a few controversial excerpts in a periodical, Flaubert had to go to trial to be allowed to publish the rest of the novel.

Style

The novel is a prime example of Realism, a trait which contributed largely to its controversy. Flaubert, as the author of the story, does not comment directly on the moral character of Emma Bovary and abstains from explicitly condemning Emma's adultery. Due to this decision some accused Flaubert of glorifying adultery, creating a scandal (a rather groundless charge considering Emma's perpetual disappointment and grim fate).

Related Topics:
Realism - Author - Adultery

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Realism aims for verisimilitude through a focus on character development. The movement was a reaction to the idealism of Romanticism, a mode of thought which rules Emma's actions. She becomes increasingly dissatisfied since her larger than life fantasies are, by definition, unrealizable. However, the notion that Flaubert is criticizing Romanticism through the persecution of Emma is complicated by his remark, "Emma Bovary, c'est moi" ("Emma Bovary is me").

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