Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" - Week Two

Subjects of discussion:

1. The love that starts again between Emma and Rodolphe

2. The letter Rodolphe sends to Emma (and the box where he puts all his memories - is this really a "box of memories"?)

3. Emma's reaction after having received the letter

4. Emma's illness and Charles's reaction

5. The importance of the opera

6. The love between Emma and Léon and Emma's "satisfaction" (or lack thereof)

7. The beggar

8. Emma's frenetic efforts to get money

9. The return to Rodolphe and - why does Emma decide to commit suicide? Because of money? Is there another reason?

10. Why does she decide to commit suicide by poisoning?

11. Why is Emma's death so prolonged?

12. Emma's reaction to the crucifix.

13. The black liquid that comes from her mouth after her death