Madame Bovary Appearances Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Lowell Bair's translation.

Quote #1

Emma, once so well-groomed and refined, now went for days without putting on a dress, wore gray cotton stockings and used cheap tallow candles. (I.9.57)

Emma’s depression exhibits itself through her unusual lack of attention to her appearance.

Quote #2

Emma lost weight, her face became pale and gaunt. With her smooth black hair, her big eyes, her straight nose, her birdlike walk and the silence that had now become almost constant with her, did she not seem to be passing through life without touching it, bearing on her brow the mysterious mark of a sublime destiny? (II.5.40)

We can always tell how Emma feels through her appearance. Feeling separate and special, she begins to look that way, too.

Quote #3

The smooth folds of her dress concealed a tumultuous heart, and her modest lips told nothing of her torment. (II.5.42)

Emma doesn’t betray her passions, and is able to maintain the façade of propriety, which apparently is all that matters.