Literary Realism in Flaubert’s novel, Madame Bovary

Literary Realism in Flaubert’s novel, Madame Bovary

Q. What is the meaning of the term literary realism? Explain with close textual reference to Flaubert's "Madame Bovary".

Answer: 'Literally realism' is a mid 19th century movement in the field of literature. It is characterized by the depiction of everyday life and ordinary experiences of various characters of a literary piece. Literary realism often focuses on the mundane and the factual truth. This style aims to represent reality as it is. There is no fact of idealization or romanticism. It emphasizes the social conditions and psychological depth of characters of that literary work.

The present text "Madam Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert is a notable example of literary realism. The novel tells the story of Emma Bovary. She is a woman who seeks to escape the triviality of provincial life through romantic fantasies and material excess. The novelist, Flaubert very artistically constructs a narrative that critics the illusions of romance and the limitations of social class.

One notable aspect of Flaubert's realism is his attention to explain the precise depiction of Emma’s environment very minutely. For example, the opening chapters show the dullness of the provincial town of Yonville. There Emma feels trapped. Flaubert writes with unflinching eyes. He describes the mundane routine of the townspeople and the oppressive nature of their lives. This attention to the details of daily existence shows the stark contrast between Emma’s aspirations and her reality.

Flaubert also depicts the psychological landscape of his characters. Emma's dissatisfaction with her marriage and her longing for passion are described through her inner thoughts and feelings. The famous passage where she imagines about a more glamorous life illustrates her disillusionment. Flaubert writes: "she wanted to die, but she also wanted to live in Paris." Thus, this tension between desire and reality highlights the struggle of every individuals of this novel.

Besides, Flaubert uses a separate narrative voice. It serves to emphasize the absurdity of Emma's pursuits. She presents her tragic flaws with a clinical precision. It allows readers to observe her downfall without open moral judgment. This objectivity is evident in the way he portrays her affairs and eventual demise. Flaubert illustrates how her dreams lead to disillusionment and despair.

Finally, the novel, "Madame Bovary" exemplifies literary realism through its detailed portrayal of everyday life, psychological depth and a critical examination of social norms. Flaubert's work remains a powerful exploration of human condition. His writing shows how the quest for fulfillment can lead to tragic consequences when it is set against the backdrop of a firm reality.

*****

👉 Doctor Faustus | as a Renaissance play

👉 'Medea', an ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides | Important Characters

👉 The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia | Characters and Short Summary

👉 The Pearl | George Herbert’s view upon the God

👉 Cleopatra | The 'rise and fall' of a Mysterious Woman in History

👉 Sonnet No. 116 | definition of 'Love'

👉 The Spanish Tragedy | as a revenge play