Emma Bovary
She dreamed love so hard she destroyed it
Married to a dull provincial doctor she does not love, Emma Bovary seeks in lovers and luxuries the romantic love of her novels; hounded by debt and disillusion, she poisons herself.
01Why it matters
Flaubert's novel founded realism and gave its name to "bovarism": the dissatisfaction of those who confuse life with fiction.
02The conflict
The boredom of marriage and Emma's romantic fantasy.
03The iconic moment
Emma waiting for love letters that never satisfy her longing.
04What survived
"Madame Bovary"; the concept of "bovarism."
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Emma Bovary famous?
Flaubert's novel founded realism and gave its name to "bovarism": the dissatisfaction of those who confuse life with fiction.
How does the story of Emma Bovary end?
Emma waiting for love letters that never satisfy her longing. "Madame Bovary"; the concept of "bovarism."
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