She sets Charles up in a nearby town, Tostes, then marries him off to a wealthy, needy widow. By Gustave Flaubert A nameless first-person narrator (never heard from again after this chapter) recounts the day young Charles Bovary appeared at school. This is kind of like a junior doctor it’s a guy who’s not a real doctor, but is allowed to practice medicine.

To prevent Emma from removing anything, they leave a man behind to guard the house. Policemen arrive at the Bovary house to inventory the contents of the house, which will be used to pay Emma's debts. Emma's debts have finally caught up with her.

After failing his exams once, then cramming like crazy and passing a second time, Charles manages to get certified as an officier de santé (health officer). Madame Bovary Summary and Analysis of Part Three, Chapters VII-XI.

After a pretty average, unmemorable time at school, they enroll him in medical school, where he begins to appreciate the finer things in life: the stereotypical temptations of wine, women, and song.

Despite his lackluster upbringing, Charles’s parents hope that he’ll make a name for himself.

Charles received a half-hearted education, but spent most of his childhood left to his own devices, running barefoot around the village and chasing turkeys (Whoohoo!).

His poor mom, whose money sustained her husband through his attempts at finding a career, is embittered, peevish, and obsessed with her son. Next, we get some background on the Bovary family: Charles’s dad is a boastful but unsuccessful businessman who pretty much fails to support his family. He’s not terribly bright, but he’s a hard worker.

The other boys observe the newcomer carefully.Things quiet down, though Charles is attacked with surreptitious spitballs. The class gets even rowdier, and the teacher assigns some lines to punish them.Charles has some difficulty managing his tragically ugly hat the teacher and the other boys all mock him.Charles is an embarrassed, rusticated, slow, and bewildered rural fellow.A nameless first-person narrator (never heard from again after this chapter) recounts the day young Charles Bovary appeared at school.

Madame bovary chapter summary