As I hoped for Emma’s romantic desires to come true in the next few chapters, I was happy to see that this did happen; even if it was only for a little while. Her great desires of romance and glamour came true when her and Charles got invited to the Château of Marquis d’andervilliers and attended a ball. For me, it was really interesting to read about Emma getting a taste of her of her dream world and then waking up to the cold reality of her life on the farm and her husband, the doctor. The descriptions of Madame Bovary in the wonderful chateau make it clear how much she desires this lifestyle and feels she belongs in that world. In this place, she sees pomegranates and pineapples, drinks iced champagne and has dinner with meat, lobsters and truffles. She waltzes all night long with men while Charles leans against a wall watching some games. Only Emma belongs here, Charles is satisfied with his educated wife and his life on the farm and I get the feeling that she sort of resents him for this; for not providing her with the excitement she desperately needs or even for settling with a mediocre life and that would explain the growing irritation with her husband.
On one hand, I hope that everything Emma wants, she will get. That would be a very fairytale-like end of the story and it is good to read about people’s deepest wishes being realized because that gives hope for a readers hopes and dreams. Even though this would be nice, I do not expect that to happen. Not for this type of novel. This book is supposed to portray the reality of normal people and living a life of great wealth is only cut out for a tiny part of the population. Normal people don’t just end up with lobster for dinner everyday. I think that the fact that Emma wishes for these things makes the story more realistic though. Many, many people that aren’t completely happy with their life wish for a sudden fortune or a miracle that will make their lives all they ever hoped for. Readers then and now and everywhere in the world can relate to these hopes, making this novel timeless and global.
Even though I didn’t read as much as I did last time due to time restrains, I am still enjoying this book a lot and I’m sure I will read much more next time. I thought about the comment on my last blog entry that said that I should try to back up the possible symbol with in-text proof but I haven’t been able to do that.
2 comentários:
As I always say, it isn't the quantity but the quality. I thought your post was very perceptive. Do you think Emma is naively unrealistic or do you think she has a right to get out of her present life or both?
Sandra, what makes you so fond of Emma? Doesn't her ingratitude towards Charles bother you? Do you think it is right for her to dream of unrealistic (and superficial) things instead of being grateful and happy with what she has from Charles? However, I do agree that it is interesting to follow her dreams and see what type of things a woman like her seeks.
Postar um comentário