How is it possible that an author can create sympathy in the minds of readers for characters who behave in ways that we disdain? Gustave Flaubert was able to accomplish such a goal with Madame Bovary. Introduce readers to this amazing writer with a short video that outlines the events in Flaubert's tragic novel.

Concepts

realism, literary analysis, tragedies, french literature, the french revolution

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Coordinate the reading of Madame Bovary with the study of the French revolution in social studies classes
• Show the video after class members have finished reading the novel and ask individuals to craft an argument essay that either supports the School of Life analysis or refutes it

Classroom Considerations

• The video only discusses Madame Bovary as a tragedy and does not consider other aspects of Flaubert's life that may (or may not) be reflected in the novel or of the parallels to the French revolution, or the novel as an example of literary realism

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• The video includes an explanation for the events that inspired Flaubert's tale

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.11-12.2 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.9