The acquisition of material possessions is almost as important to Emma as acquiring affection and romance. In this way, Lhereux can be seen as another of Emma's lovers, since through his knowledge of her debts he is actually involved in a very intimate relationship with her. She spends a lot of time with him, and he must understand her in a way that is much more objective than others do, in order to get what he wants from her. Describe in what ways Lhereux is like another lover to Emma? How does he see Emma differently from the way Charles does or Rodolphe and Léon do? What does he know about her that no one else does? Does the fact that his relationship with her is "strictly business" make their relationship any more or less moral? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Three characters embody the servant class in the novel: Justin, Félicité, and Mère Rollet. What are their roles in the novel? How do they interact with Emma? They are servants, but Emma also manipulates them to serve her own personal interests. Describe how she does this and what their reactions are to her both in life and in death.

Essay Topic 3

In many ways, Madame Bovary is a critique of the middle-class life, and the constraints, expectations, and disappointments that are a part of it. Compare the world of the Bovarys to a typical American middle class existence. Specifically, address the following issues faced by the typical middle class family today and relate them to themes that Flaubert threads throughout his novel:

- Debt and financial crises

- The increase in depression and the need for therapy

- A search for community through online or virtual meeting places rather than in face-to-face scenarios

(see the answer keys)

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