Published in 1856, the novel Madame Bovary is one of the first to explore the issue of women's disempowerment in a resolutely modern way. As a woman, protagonist Emma encounters a number of obstacles that prevent her from achieving what she desires most. Emma is seen as a valuable asset rather than an individual; her prestige depends on the social status of her husband, which makes her a mere “attachment” to another person. Thus, Emma does not possess the power she needs to realize her ambitions and learns that men cannot help her get what she wants either. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the novel, Emma presents herself not as an independent person, but as a valuable commodity to be exchanged. After becoming aware of Charles' intentions towards his daughter, old Rouault does not consider Emma's feelings, but the possible personal financial gain of a possible marriage: "When he noticed that the cheeks of Charles would turn red if he was near his daughter, which meant he would propose to her. one of these days he mulled over the matter in advance. He certainly found him a little thin, and not quite the son-in-law he would have liked, but he was said to be well-bred, thrifty, very educated, and no doubt would not make too many difficulties about the dowry. ". Emma is nothing more than a precious asset that her father uses to improve his financial situation: “Now, as Father Rouault would soon be obliged to sell twenty-two acres of “his property”, as he owed a lot to the mason, to the saddler, and as the barrel of the press wanted to be renewed: "If he asks for it, he said to himself, I will give it to him." Therefore, this novel explores the idea of ​​a woman being treated as a profitable commodity rather than a person. After marriage, Emma's social status becomes higher due to the esteemed position her husband takes. This signifies Charles' superiority over his wife. During the wedding, old Rouault denounces one of the traditional marriage games which, according to him, does not suit his future son-in-law: "...a fishmonger, one of their cousins ​​​​(who had even brought a pair of soles for his wedding present), was beginning to squirt water from his mouth through the keyhole, when Father Rouault arrived just in time to stop him and explain to him that the distinguished position of his son-in-law did not allow such a thing. freedoms. » At the same time, Emma's desire to get married at midnight, by torchlight, is ignored: “Emma would have preferred, on the contrary, to get married at midnight by torchlight, but old Rouault did not understand such an idea” . From the start of the couple's relationship, Charles was considered the head of the family. Emma, ​​on the other hand, serves as an "attachment" to her husband, whose wishes are not as important. Emma's submissive position motivates her to use men as an indirect tool to achieve her goals. This method limits Emma's power and only brings her disappointment. At first, Léon meets Emma's romantic ideals. The two become closer and Emma seems to have found in her lover the sophistication and refined taste in art that she has always sought. Over time, Emma notices Léon's weak character and limited intelligence: “She accused Léon of her disappointed hopes, as if he had betrayed her; and she even yearned for some catastrophe which would bring about their separation, since she did not have the courage to decide on it herself.” Once again, at the moment when she needs it, when Emma urges Léon to give her financial help, he invents excuses not to.