Madame Bovary - Bilingual Edition (English / French):

Gustave Flaubert

Dec 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Gustave Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' is a timeless classic that delves into the consequences of romanticism and idealism. The novel follows the life of Emma Bovary, a disillusioned housewife who seeks escape from her mundane existence through illicit affairs and extravagant spending. Flaubert's writing style is characterized by precise details, rich symbolism, and a sharp critique of societal norms during the 19th century. The bilingual edition allows readers to appreciate Flaubert's original French prose alongside the English translation, adding a new layer of depth to the narrative. The juxtaposition of the two languages highlights the nuances of Flaubert's language and reinforces the universal themes of love, desire, and disillusionment portrayed in the novel. Flaubert's meticulous attention to detail and psychological insights into his characters make 'Madame Bovary' a must-read for anyone interested in French literature and literary realism.

About the author

Gustave Flaubert, born on December 12, 1821, in Rouen, France, stands among the most influential novelists of the nineteenth century. His narrative precision, ironical depth, and meticulous prose have garnered extensive praise and have significantly shaped Realism in literature. Flaubert's seminal work, 'Madame Bovary' (1857), presents a groundbreaking portrayal of bourgeois life and a woman's quest for fulfillment beyond the confining norms of her time and status. This masterpiece, offered in a bilingual edition to cater to a broader audience, serves not only as a critique of the French bourgeoisie but also as a landmark in the development of literary realism. Flaubert's protagonist, Emma Bovary, whose extramarital affairs and quest for a more exciting life lead to her downfall, remains a preeminent figure in literary studies. The precision of Flaubert's language and his unrelenting quest for le mot juste ('the precise word') in his narrative is reflected in his stylistic approach, which aimed at scrupulous attention to detail and an evocative portrayal of the mundane. Flaubert influenced generations of writers, from Marcel Proust to Julian Barnes, and his works continue to garner scholarly attention for their complex character studies and societal insights. Despite facing charges of immorality for the unsparing content in 'Madame Bovary', Flaubert's work was acquitted, and he emerged as a champion of artistic freedom and literary innovation. He died on May 8, 1880, leaving behind a legacy characterized by his devotion to artistry and his impact on literary modernism.