Madame Bovary, Chapter 11 summary
Chapter 11 of 35 · Part 2 · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Homais and Emma persuade Charles to operate on Hippolyte’s clubfoot, but the treatment causes severe complications, and Canivet amputates the leg. Emma’s brief tenderness toward Charles becomes contempt, while his fear of professional disgrace deepens and she embraces Rodolphe with renewed passion.
What happens
- Homais promotes a clubfoot operation, Emma hopes for Charles’s success, and community pressure persuades Hippolyte to consent.
- Charles cuts Hippolyte’s tendon and applies a heavy device; Emma celebrates with him, and Homais writes a glowing newspaper report.
- Hippolyte’s leg swells and develops gangrene despite repeated treatment, visits, food, and religious encouragement.
- Canivet condemns the treatment and amputates, while Homais avoids defending Charles or watching the operation.
- Charles fears disgrace, but Emma blames herself for believing in him and rejects his request for affection.
- Emma meets Rodolphe in the garden that evening, and they embrace.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Charles remains absorbed in medical classification while Emma judges their marriage. His remark exposes how far apart their thoughts are during Hippolyte’s suffering.
Quick check
What finally persuades Hippolyte to accept the operation?
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