Although often considered a realistic novel, Gustave Flaubert sprinkles Madame Bovary with symbolism essential to his message. While doing so he also depicts the desperate situation of many 19th century women and the various reasons for their predicament. The main character, Madame Emma Bovary, is a hopeless romantic continually in search of a love she will never find. Symbolic references such as an open or closed window indicate the future of Madame Bovary and the other main characters. A symbol found in many places in Madame Bovary is the presence of an open window. This symbol signifies that a major change is approaching. An ea