Literature
Flaubert’s Sympathy for Emma Bovary: A Deeper Dive into His Narrative Techniques
Flaubert’s Sympathy for Emma Bovary: A Deeper Dive into His Narrative Techniques
Introduction
In Gustave Flaubert's renowned novel, Madame Bovary, the narrator closely mirrors the protagonist, Emma Bovary. This intriguing narrative choice raises questions about the author's emotional stance towards his flawed heroine. Gustave Flaubert himself claims, "I am Emma Bovary." This statement is often interpreted to mean that Flaubert identifies with Emma's plight, but does he really sympathize with her? This article explores the nuances of how Flaubert narrates and addresses Emma, uncovering the complexity of his relationship with her.
The Narrative Perspective
In Madame Bovary, Flaubert adopts a meticulous and detached third-person narrative style, which may initially seem to distance the reader from Emma's experiences. However, this approach allows the reader to delve deeply into Emma's psyche. Flaubert recounts her actions and thoughts with a precision that often results in a sense of empathy, but also creates a subtle critique of her decisions.
Flaubert's Self-Identification
The famous statement, "I am Emma Bovary," is a pivotal moment in the novel. Flaubert claims to embody Emma, indicating a deep personal connection to her character. Yet, this self-identification does not necessarily mean sympathy or agreement with her actions. Flaubert acknowledges that he lets Emma indulge in her desires, neglect her family, and pursue an unrealistic lifestyle, which ultimately leads to her downfall.
Emma's Mimesis
To fully understand Flaubert’s emotional stance, it is essential to consider the concept of mimesis in literature. René Girard discusses the idea of mimesis, or imitation, in his book Mensonges romantiques et la verité romanesque. Mimesis refers to the way characters mirror and react to models outside their own desires, often leading to problematic or unrealistic behavior.
Mimesis in Emma's Actions
Emma Bovary’s actions are driven by the characters she reads about in novels. She indulges in grand romanticized notions from literature, similar to how Don Quixote imitates the perfect knight Amadis. These unrealistic desires lead her to neglect her family, venture into flimsy affairs, and spend beyond her means. Although Flaubert does not explicitly state his opinion, his narrative allows for a piercing examination of Emma's choices, thereby critiquing the mimesis phenomenon.
Flaubert’s Impersonal Critique
Flaubert’s narrative technique is impersonal, allowing readers to form their own judgments about Emma's actions. The narrator’s lack of overt judgment creates a sense of empathy but also a moral critique. For instance, Flaubert gives her enough leeway to criticize her choices, as is evident in her excessive spending on redecorations, frivolous dances, and romantic fantasies. This technique results in a complex portrayal of Emma, where she is both a victim of her desires and a character worthy of condemnation for her actions.
Conclusion
Flaubert’s self-identification with Emma Bovary indicates a nuanced understanding of the character’s psychological and emotional journey. While the narrator does not explicitly express sympathy for her, his meticulous narrative technique invites readers to sympathize with Emma’s desires while simultaneously critiquing her imprudent actions. Through the concept of mimesis, Flaubert highlights the dangers of unrealistic fantasies and the consequences of indulging in them. This complex portrayal of Emma Bovary remains a timeless exploration of the human condition, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of desire, reality, and the consequences of our choices.