Home : Madame Bovary : Study Guide

Madame Bovary Study Guide

by Gustave Flaubert

Madame Bovary study guide contains a biography of Gustave Flaubert, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Madame Bovary opens during Charles Bovary's childhood. An outcast in his new school, Charles does not fit in, and he suffers ridicule. As he grows older, we learn that he is fairly dull and lacks talent in his chosen profession, medicine. Charles becomes a poor doctor who does not earn much respect from his peers. His mother remains very influential in his life decisions; she pushes him into medicine and persuades him to marry a widow. The widow dies soon after the wedding, leaving Charles much less money than he expected.

Soon after his first wife's death, Charles falls in love with Emma, the daughter of one of his patients. After much time, Charles finally asks her father for Emma's hand in marriage. An elaborate ceremony takes place…

Read the full Madame Bovary Summary

• Madame Bovary Summary
• About Madame Bovary
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Part One, Chapters I-VI
• Summary and Analysis of Part One, Chapters VII-IX
• Summary and Analysis of Part Two, Chapters I-VI
• Summary and Analysis of Part Two, Chapters VII-XII
• Summary and Analysis of Part Two, Chapters XIII-XV
• Summary and Analysis of Part Three, Chapters I-VI
• Summary and Analysis of Part Three, Chapters VII-XI
• Related Links on Madame Bovary
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Madame Bovary: Major Themes
• Madame Bovary: Essays
• Madame Bovary: E-Text
• Madame Bovary: Questions
• Madame Bovary: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Gustave Flaubert: Biography