STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Analyze the character of Emma as a sentimental heroine. Explain how Flaubert's portrait of her is realistic.

2. Discuss the three major relationships in Emma's life, by comparing and contrasting her involvement with Charles, Leon, and Rodolphe.

3. Flaubert's Madame Bovary is often described as the herald of literary realism. Explain the realism in the novel.

4. Madam Bovary, to an extent, is a satirical portrait of the social customs prevalent in mid-nineteenth-century provincial France. Do you agree with this view? Substantiate your reasons with illustrations from the text.

5. Discuss Flaubert's narrative technique in Madame Bovary.

6. Give examples of Flaubert's use of irony in the novel.

7. Discuss Flaubert's use of nature imagery to depict Emma's moods.

8. Lheureux is the villain of Madame Bovary. Would you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

9. Flaubert gives a detailed account of Emma's adolescent years at the convent. Discuss its relevance to the growth of her character.

10. Attempt a structural analysis of Madame Bovary. Comment on Flaubert's presentation of the plot.

11. Discuss the character of Homais. What is Flaubert's attitude towards him?

12. Explain all the reasons that the novel is a tragedy.

13. Society plays a major part in the tragedy of the Bovarys. Analyze this theme from a feminist perspective.

14. How would you as a reader/student appraise the character of Emma? Substantiate.

15. Do you think it was Flaubert's aim to preach a moral in Madame Bovary? Discuss.

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