Madame Bovary · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.

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Chapter 1
Dedication
A formal dedication of the book to Marie-Antoine-Jules Senard, a lawyer and politician, crediting him for the book's publication and praising his eloquent legal defense.
Chapter 2
Madame Bovary
The novel opens with a new student, Charles Bovary, arriving at his school. His awkward appearance, simple background, and lack of sophistication make him an immediate object of ridicule among his classmates and teachers. The narrative establishes his mediocre, plodding character from childhood.
Chapter 3
I
This chapter introduces Charles Bovary's childhood, education, and early adulthood. It details his mediocre and directionless upbringing by his mismatched parents, his uninspired schooling, and his eventual, reluctant study of medicine in Rouen. There, he falls into idleness and debauchery, leading to his failure in his first examination. The chapter concludes with his mother securing him a practice in Tostes and arranging his marriage to the domineering, hypochondriac widow Madame Dubuc.
Chapter 4
II
Charles Bovary's first wife, Héloïse Dubuc, grows suspicious and jealous of his visits to the Rouault farm. After a series of arguments and financial revelations about her diminished fortune, Héloïse dies suddenly. Later, Charles is called to the Bertaux farm to set the broken leg of Père Rouault, where he meets and is captivated by his daughter, Emma.
Chapter 5
III
Following the death of his first wife, Charles Bovary is consoled by Père Rouault, who encourages him to visit the Bertaux farm. Charles's visits become frequent, and he finds himself increasingly captivated by Emma Rouault. The chapter details the slow, awkward courtship, culminating in Charles's hesitant proposal, which Rouault readily accepts. The engagement is set, with the wedding planned for the following spring after Charles's mourning period. The chapter ends with a description of the lengthy, rustic wedding celebration.

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Dedication

Madame Bovary

I

II

III