Published in 1856, the novel Madame Bovary is one of the first to explore the issue of women's impoverishment in a distinctly modern way. As a woman, the protagonist Emma experiences a series of obstacles that prevent her from achieving what she desires most. Emma is seen as a valuable asset, rather than an individual; her prestige depends on her husband's social status, which makes her a mere "attachment" to another person. Thus, Emma does not have the power she needs to achieve her ambitions and finds that even men cannot help her get what she wants. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the novel, Emma presents herself not as an independent person, but as a valuable commodity to be exchanged. After understanding Charles' intentions towards his daughter, the old Rouault considers not Emma's feelings, but a possible personal economic gain resulting from a possible marriage: “When, therefore, he noticed that Charles' cheeks were turning red if close to his daughter, that meant he would propose marriage to her one of these days, he ruminated on the matter beforehand. He certainly thought him a little thin, and not quite the son-in-law he would have liked, but he was said to be well-bred, thrifty, very cultured, and would no doubt not cause too much difficulty with the dowry. ”. Emma is nothing more than a valuable asset that her father uses to improve his financial situation, "Now, as old Rouault would soon be forced to sell twenty-two acres of 'his property,' as he owed much to the bricklayer, to the saddler, and as the cider press tree wanted to renew it, “If he asks me,” he said to himself, “I will give it to him.” Therefore, this novel explores the idea of ​​a woman, treated as a profitable commodity, rather than a person . After the wedding, Emma's social status becomes higher thanks to the esteemed position assumed by her husband. This signifies the superiority of Charles over his wife. During the wedding, the old Rouault condemns one of the traditional wedding games which, in his opinion , does not suit his future status as son-in-law, “...a fishmonger, one of their cousins ​​(who had even brought a pair of soles as a wedding present), began to spray water from his mouth through the keyhole, when old Rouault approached just in time to stop him and explain that his son-in-law's distinguished position did not allow such a thing freedom." At the same time, Emma's desire to get married at midnight, by torchlight is ignored: “Emma would have preferred, on the contrary, a midnight wedding by torchlight, but old Rouault could not understand such an idea” . From the beginning of the couple's relationship, Charles is seen as the head of the family. Emma, ​​on the other hand, serves as an “attachment” to her husband, whose desires are not as important. Emma's submissive position motivates her to use men as an indirect tool to achieve her goals. This method limits Emma's power and only brings her disappointment. At first, Leon meets Emma's romantic ideals. The two become closer and Emma seems to have found in her lover the refinement and refined taste in art that she has always looked for. As time passes, Emma notices Leon's weak character and limited intelligence: “She blamed Leon for her dashed hopes, as if he had betrayed her; and she even wanted a catastrophe that would lead to their separation, since she did not have the courage to decide on her own." Once again, in her hour of need, when Emma urges Leon to provide her with financial help, he makes excuses to avoid doing so: “Go,.