Emma Bovary’s pursuit of romantic ideals leads to a destructive cycle of infidelity and financial ruin within the confines of provincial France. Trapped in a marriage to a mundane country doctor, Emma seeks to escape her dissatisfaction through illicit affairs and extravagant spending. Her internal conflict pits her idealized visions of life against the rigid social and economic realities of 19th-century Normandy. The narrative employs a third-person perspective that maintains a clinical distance from its subjects, highlighting the gap between Emma's perceptions and her actual circumstances.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the precision of Flaubert’s prose and his commitment to objective realism. Discussion often centers on the characterization of Emma Bovary, with many debating whether she is a victim of her environment or the architect of her own downfall. The novel is widely recognized for its influence on the development of the modern novel, particularly through its innovative use of narrative voice. Critics often point to the balance between the mundane details of provincial life and the dramatic intensity of Emma’s internal life as a key element of the work's enduring impact. Many readers note that the clinical tone provides a sharp critique of the romantic tropes that Emma attempts to emulate.