Madame Bovary

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of child abuse and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Which aspects of Flaubert’s portrayal of provincial life in Madame Bovary resonated most with you, and why?

2. How do you think Madame Bovary compares to other classic novels that explore unhappy marriages, such as Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina? Both feature women trapped by societal expectations who pursue affairs with tragic consequences, but they take different approaches to their subjects.

3. Which scene or moment in the novel stands out as particularly powerful or memorable to you, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. When have you encountered gaps between expectations and reality similar to Emma’s disconnect between romantic fantasies and everyday life?

2. Charles loves Emma unconditionally despite her flaws and betrayals. What are your thoughts on this kind of devotion in relationships?

3. Which character in the novel did you find yourself most sympathetic toward, and why?

4. What role has reading played in your life during difficult or monotonous periods?

5. In what ways have you witnessed or experienced constraints similar to Emma’s in modern life?