Madame Bovary, Part 2, Chapter 7 summary
Part 2, Chapter 7 of 35 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Emma sinks into grief over Léon, seeks distractions, and worries Charles with her failing health, while his mother blames her reading. A bloodletting brings Rodolphe Boulanger into the house, where he notices Emma and decides to pursue her through carefully arranged opportunities.
What happens
- Emma dwells on memories of Léon, regrets her restraint, and gradually loses the intensity of her longing.
- She buys luxuries, changes her appearance, abandons studies, and shows signs of illness that distress Charles.
- Charles and his mother agree to stop Emma’s novel reading, and his mother undertakes to cancel her library subscription.
- On market day, Rodolphe Boulanger brings his farmhand for bloodletting; both the patient and Justin faint.
- Emma helps revive Justin while Rodolphe observes her, and Homais arrives to scold his pupil.
- Walking home, Rodolphe imagines seducing Emma and chooses the approaching agricultural show as an opportunity.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Madame Bovary, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today, then 0,27 USD a day
In this chapter
What to notice
Even before beginning his pursuit, Rodolphe considers how to end it. His private calculation contrasts with Emma’s intense longing for love.
Quick check
What opportunity does Rodolphe choose for approaching Emma?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Madame Bovary, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today, then 0,27 USD a day
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
