Flaubert criticizes the values ​​of the bourgeois class through the events that led to Emma's downfall. Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert, written in 1856, is a realistic novel which tells the story of Emma Bovary, the wife of a doctor. Emma has various adulterous affairs, spends all of her husband's money and eventually commits suicide. Through the events and factors that led to Emma's downfall, Flaubert critiques the bourgeois class by revealing the problems rooted in its values. Throughout Madame Bovary, Flaubert is constantly reminded of the powerlessness of bourgeois women of his time, who tend to be defined primarily by the men in their lives, who therefore lack the means to live and pursue their own interests independently. This social constraint plays a significant role in Emma's downfall, unable to realize her own aspiration to become a member of the upper class. Emma is forced to depend on her husband Charles, whose laziness and incompetence prevent him from achieving a higher financial status, which in turn fuels Emma's utter dissatisfaction with life. Emma's relationships with the two lovers contrast even further between her lack of influence and the absolute freedom of men. While both choose to abandon her after realizing she isn't worth their time, Emma has no choice but to stick with her marriage. Emma is painfully aware of the situation she finds herself in, which is why she desperately wishes to have a son, because “a man, at least, is free; he can explore all passions and all countries, overcome obstacles, taste the most distant pleasures”; a male child would have the power he lacks. This quote clearly shows Flaubert's understanding and disapproval of the plight of women in middle of paper...... selling all her possessions to pay off endless debts before dying prematurely due to depression. Their daughter Berthe, completely innocent, is sent to live with a distant relative and forced to work in a cotton factory. Through these contrasting results, Flaubert criticizes society for allowing the greedy, selfish, and cold-hearted to prosper, while allowing their victims to lose everything and die in misery. In Madame Bovary, Flaubert manages to express his dislike for the boring and selfish middle class. through many unfortunate events leading to Emma's death. As the previous analysis shows, through the powerlessness of women, the monotonous and tedious daily routine of the bourgeoisie, and the cruelty of the middle class, Flaubert shows how the values ​​and social norms of the middle class can impact devastating negative impact on society. individuals.