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Madame Bovary, Part 3, Chapter 2 summary

Part 3, Chapter 2 of 35 · 13 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 2, Emma returns home to news of her father-in-law’s death, but Charles’s grief leaves her absorbed in memories of her lover and impatient with marriage. Lheureux encourages her to seek control over Charles’s finances, and she uses the proposed arrangement to secure a three-day trip to Rouen.

What happens

  1. Emma catches the departed coach and reaches Homais, whose anger at Justin interrupts the announcement of her father-in-law’s death.
  2. Homais scolds Justin over a pan near arsenic and an illustrated book before abruptly giving Emma the news.
  3. Charles mourns his father, while Emma feels contempt for him and conceals the source of Léon’s flowers.
  4. Madame Bovary senior joins the household in mourning, but Emma privately recalls her recent happiness with her lover.
  5. Lheureux proposes renewing Charles’s bill and encourages Emma to obtain authority over her husband’s financial affairs.
  6. Emma presents a draft authorization, insists on consulting Léon, and travels to Rouen for three days.

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In this chapter

EmmaCharlesLéonHomaisLheureuxTheme: Debt and dependence

What to notice

Charles welcomes Emma’s insistence on traveling as an act of care. His gratitude contrasts with her concealed attachment to Léon.

Quick check

What does Lheureux repeatedly encourage Emma to obtain?

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