Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary, published in 1857, expresses his dislike of the French bourgeoisie. He mocks anyone who is not of the upper class by declaring that they have no strong morals and survive solely on Romanticism. Flaubert uses literary techniques such as diction, figurative language, and syntax to openly criticize the middle class for abandoning their morals when it becomes convenient and advantageous for them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Flaubert uses powerful diction to criticize the feelings of the middle class as they abandon their morals, finding that it can advance their place in the social caste. Emma Bovary, the protagonist of the novel, desperately needs money to pay off a debt. In search of money she goes to a notary in the town, when he asks for sexual favors in exchange she accuses him of "shamelessly taking advantage of [her] poverty... [She] is to be pitied, not sold" (Flaubert 280) . Soon after, Flaubert mocks her for this statement as she willingly indulges in thoughts of prostitution when he has previously stated that it is beneath her. Emma unknowingly describes herself as “shameless,” subsequently abandoning her integrity when she feels it is necessary. Subsequently, as a sign of indignation and disgust at the thought of prostitution, she launches into several invectives, exclaiming “What a wretch! What a scoundrel! What an infamy!” (280). His strong application of the terms "wretch", "scoundrel" and the "infamy" of his suggestions are a passionate response to the attack on his virtue, however, these words will perfectly describe his character a few pages later. She had not previously thought of using her attractiveness to men as a means of economic advancement, but now she realizes that abandoning the morals she had believed in up to that point is to her advantage. Flaubert offers another insight into the lack of morals found in the middle class as Emma quickly changes her opinion on what is right and wrong after accusing another of having no integrity. So, not only is Emma easily influenced by her stance on what is right, but she begins to feel inferior to those who have managed to maintain their morals. The “thought of [her husband's] superiority over her exasperated her” (281) and pushed her to abandon her disgust for prostitution to feel more in control of her own destiny. Through the word “superiority” Flaubert highlights the fact that those who have high morals and integrity are superior and have strength and class that those from middle class society do not have due to their pursuit of power and progress. The diction used in this passage to describe Emma and her feelings illustrates Flaubert's low opinion of the proletariat around him as they disposed of their morality for what they believed to be better circumstances. Gustave Flaubert's implementation of figurative language is an attempt to highlight the flawed morale of the French bourgeoisie, as they struggle to reclaim status and wealth. He believes that those from the upper class can overcome all obstacles without lowering their standards and contrasts this with middle class citizens who are still suffocated by problems and difficulties cannot maintain their values. Emma feels bombarded by “a thousand flatteries” (280) while the notary tries to win her affection. Exaggeration is used here to show how overwhelmed Emma feels and the heights she is willing to go to to escape her seducer. The author.