TERM PAPER IDEAS AND OTHER TOPICS FOR WRITING

• EMMA

1. Some readers have described Emma as being "naturally depraved." Explain.

2. Compare and contrast Emma's love affairs with Rodolphe and Leon.

3. What is the importance of the ball at La Vaubyessard for Emma's life?

4. Trace the development of Emma's disillusionment with Charles.

5. What effect did Emma's experience in the convent school have on her later life?

6. Discuss Emma's attitude toward motherhood.

7. Discuss Emma's reaction to the opera in Rouen. What does her reaction tell you about her character?

8. What effect do Emma's reading habits have on her attitudes about love?

• OTHER CHARACTERS

1. Discuss Charles' relationship with his mother. How does he feel toward his mother after his marriage to Emma? Does their relationship change after Emma dies?

2. In what way are Charles and Homais similar?

3. What is Charles' reaction when he discovers the letters to Emma from Rodolphe and Leon? What does this tell you about his character?

4. What is the importance of the blind beggar to the story?

5. Is Charles' lack of jealousy a virtue? Why is he so trusting of Emma?

6. Discuss the roles of the other important women characters in the book.

7. What is the importance of the clubfoot operation? How does it affect Charles and Emma's relationship?

8. Analyze the conversation between Rodolphe and Charles at the end of the novel. What does it tell you about these men?

• LITERARY TOPICS

1. What is Flaubert's attitude toward adultery?

2. Discuss the use of the "window" as a symbol of both freedom and confinement.

3. Discuss Flaubert's attitude toward middle-class society.

4. What is Flaubert's attitude toward religion? Cite examples from Emma's life in the convent and her relationship with Father Bournisien.

Table of Contents | Message Board | Printable Version | MonkeyNotes