Madame Bovary and Life’s Purpose

I recently read Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, one of the most lauded Western novels of the nineteenth century, a quintessential French classic that cannot be missed if one wants to understand life in that era. However, the novel resonates far beyond its era of rapid changes, of industrialization and questioning of the human condition. The story of a woman who cannot bear the ordinary nature of her life in rural France will still be relatable to many readers today. Emma Bovary desired an exciting life after reading passionate stories in books. A modern reader, in addition to books, will perhaps be exposed to adventure and glamour through social media and television. Even more than during Emma Bovary’s time, people today are bombarded with media that promises adventure— trips to exotic places, to big cities, love stories, all kinds of experiences awaiting for us. And just like Emma Bovary, it’s easy to face frustration when we realize our late capitalist society does not allow most of us to fulfill those promised fantasies. Although perhaps we might not be confined to the domestic sphere, we still have obligations and routines that don’t allow us to live a life of adventure and debauchery. For many, of course, that’s alright. We come to understand that we must accept the rules of the game. For others, on the other hand, the frustration never quite goes away. And although Flaubert doesn’t tell us what to do with it, it’s at least refreshing that he acknowledges this crisis. The ennui and existential impasse of the petite bourgeoisie continues to be a topic of interest in academic circles and casual conversations — because of that, revisiting Flaubert’s chef-d’œuvre is a must.

There are several interpretations of Madame Bovary — its complex protagonist certainly allows for all kinds of psychological, religious, sociological, historical and gender-based analyses. The philosophical concerns it raises are just as interesting. Essentially, Emma Bovary faces a question as old as time: “What is the purpose of life?” Originally, she gave marriage and a provincial life a try, but soon enough realized it wasn’t fulfilling. It’s not surprising, given her fascination with adventure and passion, that she would get bored with rural life. However, even if she had not read all those exciting books, would she be satisfied with her domestic life? Many men and women at the time were satisfied with their gender roles, and most would actually dream to belong to Emma Bovary’s social class. However, we also know not everyone conformed to the norms and customs approved by society at large. There have always been outsiders and rebels: long before the nineteenth century and well into our era, there have been people whose lifestyles exist outside the law or the social contract. Emma undoubtedly belongs to this group. Her life — her clandestine affairs, her spending habits — proves her intense desire to exist outside the expectations of society.

A worthy question after realizing Emma’s desire to transgress the boundaries of society is: “Is she in the right? What use is there in defying social norms?” A first reading of the novel would indicate Emma Bovary is a very bad argument for challenging societal expectations. By having affairs and purchasing expensive items, she ends up harming her husband and child. Her adventures might make her life more exciting, but they also deeply affect her mental health. At first glance, we can affirm it would’ve been better if Emma had not become so interested in passion and adventure in the first place. If she had conformed to her role as a housewife, she would have a normal, peaceful life in provincial France. Utilitarians would appreciate that this scenario would cause the least suffering.

And yet, without Emma’s social transgressions, there would be no Madame Bovary. The novel invites us to question Emma’s role in society — why must she, or any woman, agree to marry someone they are not interested in? Why does she have to settle for a life she does not want? Furthermore, even if she fails to successfully rebel against her role, does that indicate society is in the right? Or was she rather a martyr of a system that decides people’s fate before they are even born? There are no definite answers for these questions, of course, but that’s alright. Literature forces us, at the very least, to deconstruct our beliefs and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. By doing this, we realize there is some universality in the human condition. I might not be a nineteenth century provincial French woman, but I understand too well what it’s like to struggle to conceive a more fulfilling life. Most people at some point face this question. We would like to think we have more options than Emma did, but we still are mindful of our families, our abilities, our social class and many other factors when we make crucial life decisions. In spite of its tragedy, or maybe because of it, Madame Bovary is a great novel to reflect critically about what is under and outside our control in life, and how to deal with that when making a life plan.