Madam Bovary and Looks at the Character

¶ … Madam Bovary and looks at the character of Rodolphe Boulanger, seducer and womaniser. Also looking briefly at a psychological perspective as to why he carries out his seductions.

Rodolphe Boulanger: Seducer of Emma Bovary

Literature has gone thought many phases, form harsh realism with it social messages and hidden meanings to softer romanticism where the world is see though different eyes and we may indulge in a little fantasy. It is in the latter genre that we may find some very interesting, yet remote characters. For example in 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert we can see two strong characters.

Emma Bovary is the heroine of Madam Bovary, she is an alive character who is very conscious of her surrounding, but she has also been criticised as being 'synthetic' (Nadeau 307). The similarities between her and the person who created her have been noted on many occasion, and as such we may accept this correlation, but the character displays potential remains relatively small (Nadeau 307).

However we can also argue that she is created in a very systematic manner, but this does not disturb the approach of the romanticism the author takes, in many ways if builds up the character until we can see how she is made and understand some of the many levels (Nadeau 307).

A key feature of romantic writing is that of the use of the imagination. Just as in most romantic novels there is hardship and problems that have to be faced by the hero or heroine. It is Emma that is given the rough deal, she had the appearance of youth and beauty, and therefore in a romantic novel she must be doomed to suffer.

Another of the main characters that Flaubert has brought to life is Rodolphe Boulanger, in this character we see a man who has see the world, in such a way that he has the wisdom of his time and manner. He understands what life and love is about and as such utilizes his ideals to bring about change.

Rodolphe is actually Emma's first real lover, by seeing the boredom in Emma's eyes he quickly turns it around and uses it for his own advantages.

Moreover, Boulanger is the cold seducer who has no conscience or guilt as to his emotive actions

Flaubert describes Boulanger as "thirty-four; he was of brutal temperament and intelligent perspicacity, having, moreover, had much to do with women, and knowing them well." (Flaubert, PG).

Boulanger we can see is a serial seducer, a womaniser of the lowest class for the middle class ladies, however he lacks a subtlety and intelligence and certainly has no flare or mind for variation. Sadly many women including Emma fall for his lack lustre seductions.

Boulanger like many men in Emma's life is a user and abuser, for just like her financial consultant Lheureux he is a bird of prey awaiting her slow demise as he slowly breaks down her weaknesses and exploits them to his own advantage.

However, despite the above character assassination of Boulanger he does have some likeable qualities, he is a man who understands the mind of women, especially Emma. His experience with women is extensive unlike that of the bungling and fumbling Leon. His ability to turn around Emma's boredom and into a party of affairs.

Rodolphe is like a true hunter he sees the prey and plans his strategy, not once has his attacks or rather seductions failed him and as with Emma he is successful. Like all true Don Juan's Rodolphe is a cad and bounder.

Moreover, he looks at women with a strict view "I think he is very stupid. She is tired of him, no doubt. He has dirty nails, and hasn't shaved for three days. While he is trotting after his patients, she sits there botching socks. And she gets bored! She would like to live in town and dance polkas every evening. Poor little woman! She is gaping after love like a carp after water on a kitchen-table. With three words of gallantry she'd adore one, I'm sure of it. She'd be tender, charming. Yes; but how to get rid of her afterwards?" (Flaubert, PG).