Who was Madame Bovary?

Answer 1

There are actually three Madame Bovarys in the book: there is Emma, the main character and Dr. Bovary's second wife; then there are also his mother and his first wife. In this sense 'Madame Bovary' is a social role rather than a person, filled by three different women. Flaubert is commenting on how members of the bourgeois society all play the parts they feel they should be playing in order to fit into this society; Emma Bovary spends her whole life 'acting' as either the decadent mistress or the pious wife, and she spends all of her husband's money on the 'props' she requires for these parts - she thinks this will make her happy, but it leads to her suicide. This is, on the part of Flaubert, a critique of the new bourgeois consumerist mentality. Madame Bovary (not just Emma but each Madame Bovary) is both the product and the victim of such a society.

She is the main character of the book 'Madame Bovary' by Gustav Flaubert Oh, Emma. You are so complicated. She's more than just the main character of "Madame Bovary"--she's the bread and butter of the entire plot. Flaubert creates such a complex, real character that even though she may be foolish at times, we can't help but relate to her. Check out the attached link for a really in-depth look at ol' Emma's mult-faceted personality. Pretty interesting stuff.

Answer 2

Madame Bovary is the title character in the novel written by Gustave Flaubert. She is portrayed as a romantic, passionate woman who becomes dissatisfied with her provincial life and seeks escape through affairs and material possessions, leading to her downfall and tragic end. Madame Bovary serves as a critique of bourgeois society and the consequences of unrealistic romantic ideals.

Answer 3

Madame Bovary (spelled with a y) can be referring to 3 different people. The person you are most likely asking about is Emma Bovary, Charles Bovary's wife. She is the main character of the novel Madame Bovary, and you can't help but dislike her, because of her selfish ways. She is obsessed with romance and upper class life, and never EVER seems to be content with her life.

The second Madame Bovary is Charles' mother, referred to as Madame Bovary senior throughout the novel. She and Emma are not the best of friends, because Madame Bovary senior babies her son, and feels like Emma is not a good match for Charles.

The last Madame Bovary is Charles' first wife. She was an old ugly woman who lied about being rich; she dies shortly into the book, and is not referred to very often.

Hope this helps!