1. tallow ( page 214) : the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants.
2. Charles is under a great amount of pressure in these chapters because he is concerned both for Emma's health and their financial situation. When he is informed about the debt that Emma owes to Lheureux he has to borrow money. Since Emma has recovered from her illness she has rediscovered religion from her days in the convent. Of course, she becomes dissatisfied with it because it doesn't compare to the excitement of her affairs. Despite her unhappiness, she tries to be a better wife to Charles and mother to Berthe, also, is kinder to everyone in the town. Charles decides to take Emma to the opera in Rouen despite the arguments between the priest and Homais saying that the theater is not moral. Emma loved the opera, however she was again embarassed by the fact that Charles is not sophisticated. The opera also causes her to fantasize about the romantic novels she read and the life she longs for. Soon, she learns that Leon is also at the opera. Emma, Charles, and Leon go to a cafe and discuss the opera. Leon does not like it but when he finds out that Emma wishes to stay and see the rest of it he changes his mind. Charles convinces Emma to stay and watch the rest of the opera while he returns home.
3. In this section Flaubert again is trying to show his readers that language can at times be inadequate. This time, it is written words that fail to convey Rodolphe's emotions in the letter. Rodolphe writes in his heartbreaking letter to Emma that fate is to blame, and that he really does love her but he cannot runaway with her. However, we know that Rodolphe does not really love her and it is not fate's fault that they cannot be together. He does not love her, he is annoyed with her and stayed with her purely because of her beauty. I have to wonder why Flaubert showed the over exaggerated romanticism in the letter, but then when Emma reads the letter the text is filled with realistic ideas.
4. a) Why did Flaubert choose to show us that the opera was simply good, not great, but then go on about how much Emma loved the opera and the fact that it again made her desire a life of aristocracy?
b) How does Flaubert feel about Emma's heartbreak, does he pity her, or is he laughing at her inability to learn from her mistakes?
c) Why was Leon thrown back into the story at such a random time during the opera?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment