Symbolic Bovine

Although often considered a realistic novel, Gustave Flaubert sprinkles Madame Bovary with symbolism essential to his message. While doing so he also depicts the desperate situation of many 19th century women and the various reasons for their predicament. The main character, Madame Emma Bovary, is a hopeless romantic continually in search of a love she will never find. Symbolic references such as an open or closed window indicate the future of Madame Bovary and the …

…Later, Emma is bored with her life and Flaubert specifically mentions that "the windowpanes were covered with frost each morning (80). Symbolism is used throughout Madame Bovary to subtly enhance the meaning of the written words. Seemingly meaningless objects such as open windows, closed windows, and windowpanes have definite meaning. All these are skillfully used to foreshadow coming events like opportunity, danger, and separation. Flaubert makes use of symbols despite his reputation as a realistic writer.