Madame Bovary Lesson Plan

Do you agree with Léon’s characterization of the value of literature? Why or why not?

Léon’s view of literature is, like Emma’s, very much a Romantic one, and is therefore the subject of so much implicit satire within Madame Bovary. However, Romantic views about subjects ranging from love to fine art still have quite a purchase in American society, so it should not be surprising that some students may agree with Léon. The teacher should use this question as an opportunity to get students to explore to a greater extent their own feelings about Romantic and realist literature.

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