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Concept of Literary Realism in Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary"

"An interviewer asked me what book I thought best represented the modern American woman. All I could think of to answer was: Madame Bovary."

Mary McCarthy (1912 - 1989)
U.S. writer.
On the Contrary, "America the Beautiful"

What is Literary Realism?

Literary realism is a style of writing that aims to portray life as it really is, without embellishment or idealization. It is a genre that strives to capture the complexities of human nature and society, portraying characters in a way that is both authentic and relatable. In this essay, we will explore the concept of literary realism, with a particular focus on Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary"(1857).

A classic example of literary realism


Gustave Flaubert

"Madame Bovary" is a classic example of literary realism. The novel portrays the life of Emma Bovary, a young woman living in rural France in the 19th century. Flaubert's depiction of Emma's life is unflinching in its portrayal of the boredom and frustration that she experiences in her everyday existence. Through Emma's character, Flaubert highlights the emptiness and disillusionment that can come from a life that is lacking in meaning and purpose. In fact, in the 19th century, literary characters were often richly textured and deeply affected by the events in their lives, as seen in works such as "Emma" by Jane Austen, "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert, and "Middlemarch" by George Eliot. Among these characters, Emma Bovary stands out as an extravagant and sensual woman whose desires and actions lead to tragic consequences. Despite her specific tastes and traits, Emma is presented to readers as a fully realized individual, making her a memorable and complex character in literary history.


Ordinary and Mundane Aspects of Life


One of the key features of literary realism is its focus on the ordinary and mundane aspects of life. While epic poetry celebrates grand designs and events, it tends to overlook the details of everyday life. For instance, in the Iliad by Homer, the focus is on the grandeur of the Trojan War, with little attention given to the experiences of ordinary soldiers. However, in Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary" , the main character's daily tasks and social obligations take center stage. The novel portrays Emma Bovary's shopping sprees and worries over household expenses, emphasizing the significance of mundane activities in shaping her character and driving the plot. Flaubert's novel is filled with vivid descriptions of Emma's daily routine, which often involves performing repetitive and menial tasks. For example, in one scene, Emma spends hours mending clothes, a task that is described in painstaking detail. This emphasis on the mundane serves to highlight the monotony and lack of fulfillment that characterizes Emma's life.


Commitment to Accuracy and Authenticity


Another important aspect of literary realism is its commitment to accuracy and authenticity. "Madame Bovary" centers on the character of Emma Bovary and her struggles in three relationships. Rather than relying on action, the plot is driven by the subtleties of the events and, more importantly, the emotions and perceptions of the characters. Emma's dissatisfaction with her middle-class life and her romantic ideals clash with the harsh realities of her situation, leading to the downfall of her marriage and the betrayal of her two lovers. The novel explores the conflict between romanticism and reality in a poignant and tragic way. Again, Flaubert's attention to detail is evident in his descriptions of the setting and the characters in the novel. He paints a vivid picture of the French countryside, with its small towns and picturesque landscapes. He also creates a cast of characters who are complex and multifaceted, with their own strengths and weaknesses.


Emma's Inner Life


However, the most striking feature of "Madame Bovary" is the way in which it portrays Emma's inner life. Flaubert's novel delves deep into Emma's psyche, exploring her hopes, fears, and desires. Through his vivid descriptions of Emma's thoughts and emotions, Flaubert creates a character who is both sympathetic and flawed. Emma's struggle to find meaning in her life is a universal theme that continues to resonate with readers today.


Complexities and Contradictions of Human Experience


At its core, literary realism is about portraying life as it really is, without sugar-coating or idealizing it. Through his novel "Madame Bovary", Flaubert captures the complexities and contradictions of human experience. He portrays a world that is both beautiful and bleak, filled with moments of joy and moments of sorrow. In doing so, he creates a work of literature that is both stunningly original and deeply moving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, literary realism is a genre of writing that strives to capture the complexities of human nature and society. It is a style of writing that is characterized by its commitment to accuracy and authenticity, its focus on the mundane aspects of life, and its exploration of the inner lives of its characters. Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" is a classic example of literary realism, a novel that portrays the emptiness and disillusionment that can come from a life that is lacking in meaning and purpose. Through his vivid descriptions of Emma's daily routine and her inner thoughts and emotions, Flaubert creates a character who is both relatable and tragic. "Madame Bovary" is a work of literature that continues to speak to readers today, a testament to the enduring power of literary realism.


Ardhendu De


Reference

1. The Project Gutenberg eBook of Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert. (n.d.). The Project Gutenberg eBook of Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2413/2413-h/2413-h.htm

2. Killick, R. (1993, September). Reviews : Gustave Flaubert: Madame Bovary. By Stephen Heath. Landmarks of World Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992. Pp. xxii + 157. £7.95. Journal of European Studies, 23(3), 368–369. https://doi.org/10.1177/004724419302300343

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