After recovering from the Godfather, I watched the first movie in three weeks: Madame Bovary. I have reread the book not long ago, and wondered if a movie would add another dimension to the character.
As most people, I had difficulty understanding why Madame Bovary is a heroine, instead of a stupid woman. I came to the conclusion that it is because she is determined and fearless in pursuing her dream. It is in the same vein as the girl in "A Million Dollar Baby," in Rosa Park, in anyone else who defy fate and believe in dreaming. The fact that Madame Bovary failed miserably in her struggle only made her story more lasting. I also concluded that being a heroine, Madame Bovary is still a stupid woman. Because of the double identity and the ambiguity that comes with it, the book is made a classic.
<Dec 13, 2008: In the past year, Madame Bovary has come back to me frequently. "Madame Bovary, c'est moi" is true for many people – except Madame Bovary would rather die than leading a mediocre life.>