A review of Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, focusing on the determinism and fate of the characters of the novel.
This paper analyzes the novel Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, discussing the theme of determinism and fate through the characters, Charles and Emma, and the relationship between them. The paper argues, citing evidence from the novel, that Charles Bovary accepts his fate submissively while Emma Bovary struggles passionately against it. Because Flaubert joined these two characters in marriage, his novel becomes absurd. The paper describes how Emma’s adultery is her one and only fate, determined by her impossible marriage itself.
“”Fate” and “destiny” are words a person uses when they believe that what has occurred was set in the stars. Whatever “fate” they come to is unavoidable; nature and station predetermine a person’s actions and the circumstances surrounding their situation determine the eventual outcome of that situation. There is an inciting event, people react, challenges follow, all proceeding to a succession of events that point to only one possible conclusion. Their destiny or fate is the natural solution. This idea expressed in literature is called determinism. Determinism is the inexorable why of the character’s success or demise; and characteristics inherent in their personality and their societal position are what cause their eventual end. In his novel, Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert reveals his remarkable ability to express this idea through the trials and tribulations of his characters, forever enchanting us with captivating imagery and his unique use of metaphors. His determinism is one sprinkled with pessimism; no matter how fervently a character struggles to avoid their ultimate fate, fighting reality proves a fruitless battle their situation is hopeless.”