Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Madame Bovary” is a novel written by French author Gustave Flaubert. It was first published in 1857 and is considered one of the greatest literary works of the 19th century and a masterpiece of realism in literature.

The novel tells the tragic story of Emma Bovary, a young and idealistic woman who is dissatisfied with her mundane life in a provincial village. She seeks to escape her ordinary existence through romantic fantasies and material desires. Emma enters into two adulterous relationships in her pursuit of excitement and fulfillment, but her actions lead to a downward spiral of debt, disappointment, and personal tragedy.

Flaubert’s writing in “Madame Bovary” is characterized by its detailed and precise descriptions, as well as its exploration of the complexities of human nature and society. The novel is a critique of bourgeois society, the emptiness of romantic ideals, and the consequences of unrestrained desires.

“Madame Bovary” was initially met with controversy due to its frank portrayal of adultery and its perceived attacks on morality. Flaubert was even put on trial for “offending public morals,” though he was eventually acquitted.

The novel has since become a classic of world literature and is studied for its psychological insights, narrative techniques, and social commentary. It continues to be celebrated for its vivid characters and its exploration of the clash between individual dreams and societal norms.