madame bovary

language: en

definitions

  1. A landmark 1856 French realist novel by Gustave Flaubert that chronicles the adulterous affairs, romantic disillusionment, and tragic demise of its eponymous protagonist.
    en: A landmark 1856 French realist novel by Gustave Flaubert that chronicles the adulterous affairs, romantic disillusionment, and tragic demise of its eponymous protagonist.
  2. The fictional protagonist of Flaubert's novel, a provincial doctor's wife whose deep dissatisfaction with bourgeois routine drives her toward extramarital affairs and financial ruin.
    en: The fictional protagonist of Flaubert's novel, a provincial doctor's wife whose deep dissatisfaction with bourgeois routine drives her toward extramarital affairs and financial ruin.
  3. A person, typically a woman, characterized by profound discontent with ordinary life, a tendency to chase romantic or materialistic fantasies, and an inevitable tragic downfall.
    en: A person, typically a woman, characterized by profound discontent with ordinary life, a tendency to chase romantic or materialistic fantasies, and an inevitable tragic downfall.

examples

  1. University literature seminars frequently examine Madame Bovary for its pioneering use of free indirect discourse and sharp social critique.

    University literature seminars frequently examine Madame Bovary for its pioneering use of free indirect discourse and sharp social critique.

  2. Emma Bovary's relentless pursuit of idealized romance ultimately isolates her from her husband and children.

    Emma Bovary's relentless pursuit of idealized romance ultimately isolates her from her husband and children.

  3. Her obsession with designer fashion and distant lovers quickly painted her as a modern Madame Bovary.

    Her obsession with designer fashion and distant lovers quickly painted her as a modern Madame Bovary.