Madame Arnoux's Appearance
The novel begins as Frederic Moreau travels on a paddleboat leaving Paris. It is on the deck that he first sees Madame Arnoux. He is immediately infatuated with the young woman. He continues to describes her appearance with overwhelming detail. She wears "a broad-brimmed straw hat, with pink ribbons that fluttered in the wind" and has "black hair, parted in the middle." Frederic believes that he "had never seen anything to compare with the splendor of her dark skin." As the primary love interest in the novel, the description of Madame Arnoux is of central importance to the novel's plot. It is this appearance that Frederic grows obsessed with and goes to great lengths to seduce. Yet at the same time, Frederic is only capable of viewing Madame Arnoux's physical characteristics. He views love and romanticism as a physical ideal, suggesting a vanity that will come to dominate his character.
The City of Paris
A Sentimental Education includes an incredible rendering of the geography of Paris. There is frequent reference to real life roads, bridges, buildings, even specific business establishments. For this reason, it may appear confusing for those that are unfamiliar with the French city. Though it does not take knowledge of Paris to see that Flaubert viewed Paris very fondly. He goes to great lengths to describe the architecture of specific buildings, the flow of the Seine and various gardens around town. By setting the scene as such, he creates a setting compatible with Frederic's own romantic notions. As such, Paris is often referred to as "the city of love," which can be seen in Flaubert's writing of Paris.
Fashion
At points A Sentimental Education may read like a fashion magazine. Frederic displays a keen interest in the clothing of his era. He believes that fashion is a means by which to display one's character. He pays keen attention to what everyone around him is wearing. If somebody is dressed poorly, he judges the person as a whole. He builds up his own wardrobe in an attempt to win the attention of Madame Arnaux. To do so, he borrows money from his friend and roommate Charles, even lying to his mother to receive a greater allowance so as to buy new clothing. The presence of clothing in A Sentimental Education speaks again to Frederic's vanity and lack of personal depth.
The Natural Environment
Just as Flaubert affords great detail to the built environment of Paris, he is equally focused on the natural environment. He describes the weather, and the presence of trees and flowers frequently. Specific attention is also directed towards flowers and grass. This is an approach made famous by the Romantic era writers. Though they preceded the work of Flaubert, it is evident that he draws inspiration from their stylings. According to the Romantics, a love between human ways could be exacerbated, even inspired, by the natural surroundings. Therefore just as Frederic is cognizant of Madame Arnoux's appearance, he is also aware of all the natural life around him.
Male Friendship
The bond between Frederic and Charles remains very strong despite the jealousies and resentments that arise throughout the novel. Frederic describes Charles in dramatically positive terms, and admires the man greatly. There is frequent reference to the men's physical interactions. They hug often and hold hands. Though this may appear to the modern reader like homosexual conduct, physical contact between men of that era was a platonic demonstration of admiration and closeness.
