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Essay / The Moral Code of the Middle Class in Madame Bovary
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, published in 1857, expresses his dislike for the French bourgeoisie. He mocks everyone who is not upper class by stating that they have no firm morals and only survive on romance. Flaubert uses literary techniques such as diction, figurative language, and syntax to openly criticize the middle class for abandoning their morals when it becomes convenient and beneficial for them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayFlaubert uses powerful diction to criticize the feelings of the middle class as they abandon their morals, finding that it can lead to progress his place in the social caste. . Emma Bovary, the novel's protagonist, desperately needs money to pay off a debt. In search of money, she goes to a city notary, when he asks her for sexual favors in exchange, she accuses him of “shamelessly taking advantage of [her] distress… [She] is to be pitied, not to be sold” (Flaubert 280). . Shortly after, Flaubert mocks her for this statement as she willingly turns to thoughts of prostitution despite previously stating that this was beneath her. Emma unknowingly describes herself as "unapologetic", subsequently abandoning her integrity when she feels it is necessary. Then, in her indignation and disgust at the idea of prostituting herself, she launches into several invectives, exclaiming: “What a wretch! What a scoundrel! What infamy! (280). His strong application of the word "wretched", "scoundrel" and the "infamy" of his suggestions are a passionate response to the attack on his virtue, however, these words will perfectly describe his own character a few pages later. She had not previously thought about using her attraction to men as a means of financial advancement, but she now realizes that abandoning the morals she previously believed would benefit her. Flaubert offers another view of the middle class's lack of morality, as Emma quickly changes her opinion of what is right and wrong after accusing another of lack of integrity. Then, not only is Emma easily swayed into her position in favor of what is right, but she begins to feel inferior to those who have managed to maintain their morals. The “thought of [her husband’s] superiority over her exasperated her” (281) and pushed her to abandon her distaste for prostitution in order to feel more in control of her own destiny. By the word "superiority", Flaubert emphasizes the fact that those who have high morality and integrity are superior and have a strength and class that those in middle class society do not have due to their quest for power and advancement. The diction used in this passage to describe Emma and her feelings illustrates Flaubert's low opinion of the proletariat around him while he had his morality at his disposal for what he believed to be better circumstances. Gustav Flaubert's implementation of figurative language is an attempt to emphasize the flawed morals of the French bourgeoisie, as they struggle to claim status and wealth. He believes that those from the upper class can overcome any obstacles without lowering their standards and contrasts this with the middle class citizens who are still stifled by problems and difficulties. fail to maintain their values. Emma feels bombarded with “a thousand caresses” (280) as the notary tries to win her affections. Exaggeration is used here to show how overwhelmed Emma feels and the heights she is willing to climb to.