I still cant decided if Emma’s behavior is despite of Charles or because of Charles. Is she having these affairs because she desperately wants to get her husbands attention or because he is such a terrible husband that she is unfulfilled in her marriage? I want to think that she is trying to get his attention, because frankly he is obvious to her world. I find Charles fascinating because he is so in love with Emma that he is blind to her emotional pain, unhappiness and infidelity. He really is the worst husband for a woman who wants so much attention and has such high expectations.
So my questions still remain, is Charles to blame for Emma’s behavior? I would have to say that it is a major reason behind Emma’s actions, but Emma must still be responsible for her choices. I wonder if Charles were a better husband, more attentive and attuned to her needs would Madame Bovary fell the need to have affairs to satisfy her desire. In the case of affairs, I don’t think one person is to blame, Charles was unable to meet Emma’s needs but Emma chose to be unfaithful.
So is Charles a fool for not seeing the reality of his marriage, or is he so wrapped up in love that he is blind and will do any thing to satisfy his immature wife. I think no matter what, Emma will be unsatisfied and this makes both Emma and Charles tragic characters. I have sympathy for Charles where I do not have for Emma. She did many things to ruin her husband; she puts him into debt, is unfaith, and lies. Emma is guilty of so much where as Charles’ only crime is he is blissfully unaware.
I think that Emma's behavior stems from her own unhappiness, not so much from Charles. Emma is so picky and has high expectations of love that I honestly don't think she will ever be happy with anyone. I can almost relate to Emma in that I was with a guy who had feelings for me and I didn't feel the same way back, but I didn't blame my unhappiness on the guy, it was just unfortunate that the connection wasn't mutual. Emma should take responsibility, like you said, for her own actions and start appreciating the good in her life. Afterall, this was HER choice to marry him, not a marriage forced upon her. Yeah, maybe Charles should snap out of his oblivion, but that's who he is. You can't change everyone.
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