Rodolphe is the only person in the novel who understands Emma. He is basically a shrewd and cynical bachelor who has spent his time studying the psychology of women with the sole purpose of seducing them. When he first met Emma, he knew immediately that she was bored with her […]
Read more Character Analysis RodolpheCharacter Analysis Leon
When Emma first meets Leon, she feels that she has found a kindred spirit. But we know that Leon is as superficial as Emma. Both are distinguished from the other members of the society because both strive for some feelings that transcend this society. But both are also trapped in […]
Read more Character Analysis LeonCharacter Analysis Charles Bovary
Charles is a dull, unimaginative country doctor. From the opening chapters, we are made aware that Charles must work very diligently at something that comes easily for others. He lacks the dashing imagination that characterizes his father, the elder Bovary. His constant struggle to achieve almost anything is a part […]
Read more Character Analysis Charles BovaryCharacter Analysis Emma Bovary
Emma’s early life influenced her entire approach to life. She was born with a natural tendency toward sentimentality. She preferred the dream world to the real world. Rather than being brought up in the realities of everyday living, she was sent when very young to a convent where she indulged […]
Read more Character Analysis Emma BovarySummary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 9-11
Summary It took Charles a long time to recover from the initial shock of Emma’s death. His mother arrived and helped to put affairs in order and thought that now Emma was gone she would be reinstated in Charles’ affection. Emma’s father also showed up for the funeral, but was […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 9-11Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 8
Summary Rodolphe was surprised to see Emma. They talked about the past for a while, and she was able, as planned, to arouse his old interest in her. She told him about her debts and asked him to lend her several thousand francs. Rodolphe began to understand the reason for […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 8Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 7
Summary In the morning the sheriff’s officers arrived and made a complete inventory of the household furnishings and goods, but Emma managed to maintain a stoic attitude all the time they were there. They left a guard on the premises, but she kept him hidden in the attic where Bovary […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 7Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 5-6
Summary On the days of her lessons, Emma occupied all her time with Leon. Each week they had a passionate reunion, as if they had been separated for an age instead of for a few days. These visits were joyous events for both of them and were marked by profound […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 5-6Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 2-4
Summary On her return to Yonville, Emma learned that Bovary’s father had died. Charles was very upset, particularly because he had not seen the man in a long time. Emma felt no sorrow but made the usual sympathetic gestures, which her husband misunderstood and appreciated very much. After a while, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapters 2-4Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 1
Summary While attending law school in Paris, Leon was a model student. But he did experience a new way of life even though he remained quiet and respectable. And now that he has returned to Rouen, he has brought with him many of the manners and sophistication that he learned […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 1