Madame Bovary, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 35 · Part 2 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Emma deepens her attachment to Rodolphe, spends money on him, and prepares to leave Charles after a bitter family quarrel. While Charles dreams of their daughter’s future and Emma imagines happiness abroad, Rodolphe delays their departure and finally resolves not to go.
What happens
- Emma renews her affair, grows more hostile toward Charles, and spends heavily on her appearance and gifts for Rodolphe.
- Lheureux presses for payment, and Emma secretly uses money from Monsieur Derozeray’s account to settle his bill.
- After quarreling with Madame Bovary senior, Emma begs Rodolphe to take her away and agrees to bring her daughter.
- Charles imagines Berthe’s education and marriage, while Emma lies awake imagining travel and a life with Rodolphe.
- Emma orders travel supplies, and repeated delays end with a departure date of September 4.
- After assuring Emma that everything is ready, Rodolphe leaves her and privately rejects escape because of its burdens.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Rodolphe names the responsibilities he refuses to accept. His private reasoning contradicts the assurances he gives Emma about their departure.
Quick check
How does Emma obtain the money to pay Lheureux’s bill?
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