Who Rodolphe Boulanger is
Rodolphe Boulanger is a wealthy local landowner, experienced with women and sure of his charm. He meets Emma when he brings a servant who needs bleeding to Charles Bovary's house. He notices her at once and decides that she can be won.
What Rodolphe Boulanger wants
Rodolphe wants to seduce Emma, and he sets about the courtship with calm skill. At the town's agricultural fair, he speaks to her in the language of romance. Officials below make speeches about farming prizes while he addresses Emma in an upstairs room.
Rodolphe Boulanger and the others in the story
For Emma, the affair seems to confirm the promises of the romantic books she loves. She feels thrilled and alive, while Rodolphe repeats words he has used before. He does not mean those words as she does, creating a gap between her hopes and his intentions.
As Emma's contempt for Charles deepens, she turns toward Rodolphe with greater urgency. She begins to speak of running away, imagining distant cities and a life of unbroken passion.
Questions
Who is Rodolphe Boulanger?
Rodolphe Boulanger is a confident, wealthy landowner who becomes Emma Bovary's lover.
Does Rodolphe love Emma Bovary?
Rodolphe treats Emma as a conquest rather than sharing her romantic hopes. His words carry promises for her that he does not mean in the same way.
How does Rodolphe meet Emma?
He meets her at the doctor's house when he brings a servant who needs bleeding. He notices Emma immediately and decides to pursue her.