Madame Bovary

Historical Context and Significance

«Madame Bovary» is a novel written by Gustave Flaubert and first published in 1857. The work caused a significant public stir due to its candid descriptions and critique of bourgeois life, leading to the author being accused of offending public morality and religion. The novel tells the story of Emma Bovary, a young woman from a small town who seeks a more emotionally rich and romantic life, leading her to a marriage of convenience, extramarital affairs, and debts. «Madame Bovary» is considered one of the first works of literary realism, significantly influencing the development of 19th-century literature. The novel is distinguished by its meticulously crafted style, precision in detail, and psychological depth of characters, which is why Flaubert is often noted as a master of words and a creator of a new literary standard. The study and critique of «Madame Bovary» continue to be relevant for literary scholars, cultural theorists, and the reading public.