"She was dead! What a surprise! When all was over at the cemetery Charles went home..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Two)
Another prime example of realism; in Romanticism the death would have been "disguised" as something allegorical, there would have been a different type of sadness, and some emotion would have ensued. In this novel that does not occur. Life events happen and life goes on.
"manure liquid oozed..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Two)
Here is another example of Flaubert's use of naturalism and realism in his novels. Readers will find that he takes them to the very limits either visually or emotionally through his use of visual imagery, and his allusion to the senses.
A "dunghill" is a heap of animal excrement. Remember Flaubert is a Realist, with a penchant for Naturalism; this means that his descriptions are often shocking to the senses and even grotesque to some readers.
"coloured scarf that undulated across the fields..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Four)
Notice the skillful way Flaubert moves readers' visuals from a face to face perspective to a satellite view of how the fields looked from afar as the procession moved on.
"so that the great white beaming faces were mottled here and there with red dabs..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Four)
Realism in literature would bring out these types of rough descriptions. So far, we have seen nothing idealistic, nor beautiful, show up in Emma's wedding. The people are the salt of the Earth; simpletons from the country who lack social standing or culture.
"going at a trot and well shaken up..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Four)
Note the absolute lack of romanticism in describing Emma's wedding. The description moves away from the "midnight wedding with torches" Emma suggested to her father.
"As he had been..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Seven)
This paragraph is intended (as realist authors often do) to make readers' skin crawl. The simplistic nature of Charles is not described under a beneficent eye. Instead, it clearly shows how his simpleton existence could make someone like Emma (literally) lose her mind.
"The red claws of lobsters hung over the dishes; rich fruit in open baskets was piled up on moss; there were quails in their plumage; smoke was rising; and in silk stockings, knee-breeches, white cravat, and frilled shirt, the steward, grave as a judge, offering ready carved dishes between the shoulders of the guests, with a touch of the spoon gave you the piece chosen..."See in text(Part I - Chapter Eight)
Recall the banquet at Emma's wedding. Compare and contrast it to see how dramatically different they are. There will be a couple of more references to food in the novel, all displayed lavishly.
"as he was going to dine in town..."See in text(Part II - Chapter One)
It is important to point out the manner in which French literature (as well as Russian literature) tended to abruptly cut from one thing to another. It is all part of the Realist movement; to have one fact follow another whether they are connected or not. Remember that realism is life "as is."
"Amadou" is a spongy substance that forms from fungi and the chemical reactions that occur with it. Another example of Flaubert's raw depictions characteristic of Naturalism/Realism.
