One of my least favorite novels (not only of those given to us for summer reading), Madame Bovary simply wasn't written in a style where I could relate to the characters/events, or enjoy the general plot. Quite the opposite of Pride and Prejudice, Flaubert seemed to create a darker world filled with evil, tragedy and unhappiness when he wrote Madame Bovary. Despite my personal dislike of this story, however, it must be praised for its obvious strong points, such as its staunch attention to detail, realism, and character development.
             Throughout the novel, one can see that Flaubert's attention to detail is great. Unlike Austen, Flaubert does include much of the outside world in his novel, and all of the pain and evil that comes along with it. This detailed style of writing certainly allows the reader to become immersed in Flaubert's world; and even to feel sympathy towards the characters, but it leaves you with less interaction between individuals (less dialogue, primarily) than Austen provides in her novel.
             Characters are indeed developed in Madame Bovary, but to no where near such an extent as they were in Pride and Prejudice. You learn a character's personality, and perhaps motives, but no more. Flaubert's use of such great detail is certainly praiseworthy, but also leaves much to be desired in the way of his characters and plot. It is with the main characters, Emma and Charles, that the reader spends the most time with, and therefore get to know best. Emma, the confused, and terribly unfaithful wife of Charles is often confronted with fears that her life isn't what it should be. She dreams of a relationship filled with romance and intrigue, and is bored by her life with Charles. Day in and day out she seeks an escape from the trap her home and life have become. Charles remains oblivious to this fact, however, going about his life as he always has. His job as the local ph
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