Madame Bovary- the Inability of Romanticism to Coexist with the Industrialized Society

It is famously quoted that “change is the only permanent thing in life.” Therefore, success is in the ability to adapt to our ever-changing surroundings. The industrial revolution was perhaps the greatest change in lifestyle in recorded history. The revolutionary era influenced every aspect of daily life. Previously used manual methods were replaced by machines, many chemical processes were discovered to aid scientific development, and better stronger materials set new standards for modern times. The industrial revolution influenced every household and individual as well. Standard of living significantly improved as wages multiplied ten-fold. However, along with the many advantages, the transition marked an end to the slow and tranquil life that was so fondly admired by the romantics. The admiration of nature was no longer possible, as any open land was flooded with factories and firms. Due to the new and demanding occupations of the average individual, it was no longer feasible to express extreme emotions or focus on the tranquil beauty of the arts and nature- a prominent characteristic of a romantic. Gustave Flaubert’s masterpiece Madame Bovary concentrates on the clash between the romantic outlook and the evolving industrialized society. The novel portrays the unhappy life of Emma Bovary as she struggles to survive in the rapidly changing world around her. The juxtaposing of opposing viewpoints and the clash of the romantic mindset with that of the currently evolving industrialized era challenges the survival of romanticism.

The wedding reception of Charles and Emma is a prime illustration of the conflict between the attempted merging of the two worlds of romanticism and modernization. Emma’s desire to get “married by the torch light at the hour of midnight,” (47) is directly influenced by the romantic books and ideas that have infiltrated her thoughts. This odd request represents Emma’s desire to fulfill her romantic dreams and to live in the ideal romantic world. Unfortunately, Charles is only able to organize a standard wedding without too much extravagance. The differences set the stage for a disastrous chain of events that follow as two characters with opposing ideologies are wedded. During the event Charles, “seems to be a new man. It was he who could have been taken for the virgin of the night before, rather than the bride.” (51) Charles enjoys the occasion because he is able to adapt to the situation. Unfortunately, Emma has a difficult time fitting in as her, “self-control gave no opportunity for conjecture. Even the most daring jokesters were silence, and they looked at her with bewilderment when she passed near them.” (51) This shows that Emma cannot adapt to the situation at hand, especially, if it does not comply with her dreams. Moreover, it clearly distinguishes the two contrasting personalities of the characters, and shows Charles’ inability to understand his wife’s romantic desires foreshadowing that her dreams will ultimately be left unfulfilled. She will have to turn to others in order to pursue her romantic dreams. Emma’s tendency towards a romantic mindset is encouraged by her attendance of the ball.

The ball is a more suitable place for Emma and her romantic mind-set. Emma’s amusement is observed as,” she descended the staircase, restraining herself from running.” (68) This suggests that the ball has similar characteristics to her fantasies. The ball is the first time she expresses emotions of true joy. It is one of the few places where Emma’s idealized world seems obtainable. Unfortunately, this lifestyle is out of question for Emma. The contrast between the ball and the wedding reveals the difference between Emma’s destined life and her fantasies. The wedding had, “four sirloins, six chicken fricassees, some stewed veal.” (49) The numbers indicate the limited nature of the wedding. On the other hand, the ball had, “all sorts of cold meats” (70) which showcased the sheer extravagance of the ball. Unfortunately, it also reveals the cost to maintain such a lifestyle. Suggesting Only the wealthy can successfully adopt romantic characteristics during this era. They possess the free time and financial security to spend countless hours idealizing every aspect of daily life. Emma too can fantasize; however, she does not have the resources or funds available to support her dreams. Thus Emma pushes herself into sadness by fantasizing about the unattainable. Emma’s obsessive nature is indicated as “the memory of the ball became a preoccupation,” (70) of hers. Emma’s fixation on one object shows her paralysis and unwillingness to adapt to change. She is unable to proceed with life, as she is still mentally and physically attached to the romantic era which drive her into eternal longing and sadness.