Bourgeois Quote by Gustave Flaubert
““In spite of her giddy airs (the phrase used by the bourgeois wives of Yonville), Emma still had a joyless look, and, habitually, at the corners of her mouth, she had that tightness that crumples the faces of old maids and bankrupts.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, 1856
Emma’s forced politeness masks deep unhappiness, reflected in a tight, forced smile typical of constrained women
In simple terms: Emma’s smile hides her sorrow and social constraints
Key Takeaway
Recognize when outward politeness hides inner distress
Themes
social constraint
gender roles
emotional repression
Mood
melancholic
critical
Type
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- marriage dynamics
- social gatherings
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
performative femininity
class expectations
psychological coping
Questions to Reflect On
- What social pressures shape Emma’s behavior?
- How does appearance affect perception of inner feelings?
A Different Perspective
The description may overgeneralize women's emotional expression
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