Sentimental Education Morality and Ethics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

She spoke pityingly of the havoc wrought by passion, but expressed indignation at hypocritical vileness, and this rectitude of spirit harmonised so well with the regular beauty of her face that it seemed indeed as if her physical attractions were the outcome of her moral nature. (1.5.356).

Madame Arnoux's moral uprightness is so strong that it seems to reflect her outer beauty. By the way—Plato said this a long time ago. Nice try, Flaubert.

Quote #5

The townsfolk saw in this only an unfavourable prognostic for her morals. It was said that "young Moreau" wished to make an actress of her later. (1.6.44)

Frederick is under some big-time pressure to marry Louise Roque, but the townspeople are beginning to question his intentions. Make her be an actress? The horror!

Quote #6

But the Vatnaz, having given Rosanette a prolonged embrace, came to beg of Hussonet to revise, with a view to the improvement of the style, an educational work which she intended to publish, under the title of "The Young Ladies' Garland," a collection of literature and moral philosophy. (1.7.199)

Mademoiselle Vatnaz sure is outspoken—not typical for the ladies of Sentimental Education. And get this—she believes in women's equality. Scandalous, we know.