Madame Bovary - Part 1, Chapter 1

Introduction

• The scene is set in a classroom with the arrival of a new student.
• The headmaster introduces the new student and leaves him under the care of the classmaster, Monsieur Rogier.

Description of the New Student

• The new student is a country boy, about fifteen, taller than his classmates.
• He wears a short school-jacket of green cloth, red wrists showing at the cuffs, blue stockings with yellow trousers.
• His boots are stout and ill-cleaned.
• He is attentive and listens closely to the lessons.
• The student is hesitant and shy, holding his cap on his knees instead of throwing it on the ground like the others.

Classroom Interaction

• The master asks the new boy to introduce himself.
• The boy is flustered, and after stammering, shouts "Shaboveri".
• This causes laughter and chaos in the class, leading to punishments.
• The boy's name is eventually revealed to be Charles Bovary.

Charles Bovary's Background

• Charles is the son of Monsieur Charles Denis Bartholome Bovary, a retired assistant surgeon-major.
• His father was involved in scandals and married a hosier's daughter for her dowry.
• Charles's parents have a tumultuous relationship.
• Charles grew up in the countryside, not receiving a structured education until later.

Charles's Education

• Charles attended school late, taught initially by the village curé.
• He was sent to Rouen for formal education.
• In school, he was average, not remarkable in any way.
• His mother was deeply involved in his upbringing and education.

Move to Rouen

• Charles was sent to study medicine in Rouen.
• Struggled with medical studies initially, failing his first examination.
• Lived modestly, supported by his mother's care packages.
• Eventually, he passed the examination.

Post-Education

• Charles begins his medical practice in Tost after the previous doctor's departure.

Marriage

• Charles's mother finds him a wife, Madame Dubuc, a widow with an income.
• Madame Dubuc is controlling and demanding, causing tension in the marriage.
• Despite seeking an easier life through marriage, Charles finds himself constrained.

Conclusion

• The chapter ends with Charles tending to his wife's needs and dealing with her complaints.