Madame Bovary, Chapter 14 summary
Chapter 14 of 35 · Part 2 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 14, Charles borrows from Lheureux to meet mounting expenses while Emma slowly recovers, embraces religious devotion, and then withdraws from visitors and churchgoing. Homais recommends a theater outing, and Charles persuades Emma to travel to Rouen, setting aside his worries about debts that are not yet due.
What happens
- Lheureux forces payment for unwanted purchases and lends Charles money, hoping unpaid bills produce further profits.
- During her slow winter recovery, Emma seeks the spiritual joy she associates with receiving communion while gravely ill.
- Religious books disappoint Emma, but she practices charity, welcomes Berthe home, and treats others with unusual patience.
- As spring begins and her strength returns, Emma dismisses visitors and attends church less often.
- Homais and Bournisien dispute the morality of theater, and Homais urges Charles to take Emma to hear Lagardy.
- Charles persuades Emma to travel to Rouen, where they shop and arrange tickets before reaching the still-closed theater.
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Why does Charles insist on taking Emma to the theater?
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