Sentimental Education

Sentimental Education follows Frédéric Moreau, a young man from the provinces who comes to Paris in the 1840s to study law and make his way. He becomes devoted to Madame Arnoux, an older married woman, and drifts through friendships, affairs, money worries and half-formed ambitions. Around him the city moves towards the revolution of 1848, and Flaubert shows hopes both personal and political losing their shine. The novel is a long, ironic study of a generation and of a man who wants much but struggles to act. It has been admired for its detailed picture of French society and its quiet, melancholy humour.