Madame Bovary Essay, Research Paper

The elements of a novel are made to work together through structure, which is a major factor in the novels total impact. Aristotle gave a formula for dramatic structure that can be generalized to apply to most literature: presentation, development, complication, crisis, and resolution. The structure of the novel Madame Bovary follows Aristotle?s formula, and can be compared to that of a stage play. Each part of the novel, like each part of a play, conveys the main characters development, exposition, and denouement.

In part 1 of the novel, Flaubert follows this formula, and first develops the character of Emma. It is pointed out that Emma from a very early age would fantasize romantic thoughts. Even at the convent, she would tell stories ?filled with love affairs, lovers, mistresses, persecuted ladies fainting in lonely country houses, post-riders killed at every relay, horses ridden to death on every page, dark forests, palpitation hearts, vows, sobs, tears and kisses?? Emma would bring these fantasies to her marriage.