Controlling Destiny: The Choices of Emma Bovary

Destiny, defined as the seemingly inevitable succession of events, has long been a subject of contemplation for humanity. In examining this concept, we must consider whether we truly shape our destinies, or if they are predetermined by external forces. Gustave Flaubert's novel, "Madame Bovary," provides a compelling exploration of how individuals, both in reality and fiction, wield significant influence over their destinies through the actions they take and the choices they make.

Emma Bovary: The Protagonist and Her Choices

At the heart of Flaubert's narrative is Emma Bovary, a complex character whose life serves as a vivid example of how one's destiny is intertwined with their decisions.

Emma's journey unfolds through a series of pivotal moments, each of which exerts a profound impact on her fate.

When we first encounter Emma, she presents herself as a woman of refined taste, distinguished from the average peasant girl due to her education, which included subjects like dancing, geography, needlework, and piano. Her upbringing and aspirations set her apart from her rural surroundings.

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On the other hand, her husband, Charles, attributes even more sophistication to her than she possesses. He perceives her as educated, cultured, sensitive, and loving. However, it becomes evident that Emma lacks genuine love for Charles, and soon after their marriage, her unhappiness becomes palpable. This raises the question: why did she choose to marry him? Multiple answers may be proposed, but the consensus remains that their lives would have been better had they not wed. Emma's misery could have been avoided, and Charles might have found a partner who reciprocated his affection.

As time passes, Emma faces another crucial decision: whether to have a child now or postpone it. She opts for motherhood, hoping it will infuse excitement into her life. Her desire for a boy, fueled by the anticipation of his limitless potential, is met with disappointment when she gives birth to a girl. This event shatters her hopes and plunges her into despair.

Again, we ask: why did Emma choose motherhood? Was it driven solely by selfish motives? While numerous answers exist, the fundamental truth remains that this decision profoundly altered her destiny and that of her husband and daughter. Emma's thoughtless actions inflicted suffering upon her innocent child, a fate that might have been averted.

The Temptation of Adultery

Emma's inclination towards destructive decisions becomes evident when she embarks on an adulterous affair with Leon, despite having experienced the consequences of infidelity previously. This marks the third major event in her life, one with the potential to drastically alter her fate if approached differently.

Prior to Leon, Emma had endured the pain and emptiness that followed her first affair. She subsequently repeated the cycle with Leon, failing to grasp the fleeting nature of affair-induced happiness and the ensuing misery. Her liaison with Leon contributes to a host of problems in her life, including mounting debts, deteriorating health, deepening depression, and ultimately, her untimely demise.

Emma's decision to take arsenic and end her life serves as the culmination of her tragic journey. Why did she choose such a drastic path while still young and with her life ahead of her? Some argue that she saw no alternative, viewing death as the only escape. However, this act appears selfish considering her responsibilities as a mother and a wife.

Emma's attempt to distance herself from her husband ultimately unveils the depth of Charles's love for her, a revelation that arrives too late. As he gazes upon her with an unprecedented affection, she is already beyond reach.

Conclusion

Considering the aforementioned events, it becomes apparent that Emma Bovary exercised a significant degree of control over her destiny, as we all do to a great extent. No divine hand guided her into marrying Charles, bearing his child, engaging in an affair with Leon, and ultimately taking her own life. These decisions were rooted in selfish desires, serving her fantasies and immediate needs, without adequate consideration for their consequences on others.

While individuals naturally prioritize their own interests to some extent, they typically contemplate the ramifications of their actions. Emma, on the other hand, not only failed to assess these consequences but also repeated her mistakes, driven by idealistic fantasies that contrasted starkly with the mundanity of her reality.

Throughout Flaubert's narrative, Emma encounters pivotal moments demanding choices, and tragically, she rarely makes the right ones. Her story underscores the enduring truth that our destinies are shaped, to a significant degree, by the choices we make, whether they lead us towards happiness or despair.