In Madame Bovary, a 19th century novel of realism by Gustave Flaubert, Emma Bovary is portrayed as a discontented housewife aspiring to escape the confines of domesticity, using love affairs to seek the luxuries of life. Emmas struggle to improve her social status is conveyed through Flauberts use of literary techniques. Sensory images create a more visceral experience for readers, immersing readers into Emmas perspective whilst symbolism depicts Emmas eagerness to escape her mundane life.

Sensory imagery used extensively during the ball scene at La Vaubyessard allows readers to experience the grand and lavish lifestyle of the upper class of society. Moreover, readers are able to relate to Emmas aspirations of more superior social status than her lowly middle-class position. The ballroom scene at La Vaubyessard is a significant event in Emma Bovarys life, as she discovers her desire to elevate her own social status above and beyond her inferior middle class existence. In passages describing the ballroom scene, Flaubert situates the narrative within Emmas perspective in order to convey the elegance and wealth of the women at the ball. Emmas perception of the ladies included the magnificent and expensive garments accompanied by precious jewelry. The image of gleaming clothing ornaments uch as diamonds, medallions, lace frills, suggest the luxury of upper class clothing. Emma paying special attention to these minor details on the clothing implies her fascination at the affluence of the women at the ball. The extensive list of handheld accessories such as painted fans, bouquets of flowers, gold-capped scent-bottles, perfectly fitted white gloves that marked the skin of the wrist, and the interesting variation in hair accessories ranging from forget-me-nots, jasmine, pomegranate-blossom to wheat-ears, or corn-flowers not only recreate the radiant multicolor environment of the upper-class society, but also reinforces the sense of wonder and attraction Emma feels towards the life as a rich woman of society.

Wealth does not soley have an effect on women, but also on the men at the ball. Flaubert uses visual images to describe the men at the ball, depicting them as the elegant gentlemen Emmas romantic novels revolved about. Mens coats looked better cut, of smoother cloth, their hair seemed to glisten with a superior pomade. The men were natural habitants of the ecology of wealth, as even the complexion of their skin complimented the whiteness of porcelain, the lustre of satin, the bloom on expensive furniture. The descriptions of upper class men through Emmas perspective suggest that wealth is not just a tangible, quantifiable substance, but is innate and biological. Through Emmas eyes, even the skin color of upper class men was fascinating and attractive amidst the magnificent surrounding. Because of their wealth, these men looked like they fit in with and belonged to the luxurious and lavish environment. Social status also seemed like it was capable of transforming and maturing me, as the gentlemen of the ball were sophisticated and disciplined. They had coolly glancing eyes, calm passions, and necks that turned gracefully in their low cravats. The overall images of these men reveal a certain collected and disciplined nature that Emma perceives to be shared by upper-class gentlemen.

Apart from sensory imagery, Flaubert also uses symbolism to depict Emmas struggles against her own social status as a middle-class housewife. Throughout the book, windows are a symbol of hope and dreams, as well as a physical embodiment of an escape from reality. Emma often looks out windows as she fantasizes. For example, [s]ometimes in the afternoon a man's head would appear at the living room window: bronzed face, black sideburns and a slow, gentle gleaming open smile. The face Emma fantasizes was her idealistic image of a true man, a masculine figure, unlike her husband that she so despises due to his lack of culture and sophistication. Accompanied by Emmas fantasy would be the sound of music playing in her head, and the never-ending sarabands reminded Emma of her lavish experience at the ball. Windows were also a form of escape for Emma from the reality that she was discontent with. Upon reading Rodolphes farewell letter, Emma contemplates committing suicide by jumping out the window as a means to escape from the anguish over a lost loved one.

In conclusion, Gustave Flaubert uses both sensory imagery and symbolism to depict Emmas struggle to elevate her own social status and improve her life. Sensory images immerse readers into Emma Bovarys perspective, whilst symbolisms develops Emma as a character, revealing to readers the daily struggle she has to go through.