Discussion #1 - A Simple Heart, Why does Monsieur Bourais frequently

Simple Heart 2

Discussion Question #1 for Flaubert's "A Simple Heart" (1877, pp. 450-455)

Why does Monsieur Bourais frequently visit Madam Aubain and what does he do for her? When Felicite asks M. Bourais to show her the house where Victor is living while they are looking at the map, he laughs because "a simplicity like hers was a positive joy" (446). What do you make of M. Bourais's reaction to Felicite? What does he mean by her "simplicity" here? After Victor's death, Felicite becomes attached to the parrot, Loulou. When Monsieur Bourais visits Madam's house, Loulou starts to laugh at him, and Bourais eventually avoids the parrot and goes into the house by the garden gate. Why do you think Loulou laughed at Monsieur Bourais? How would you compare this [Loulou's laugh at Bourais] to his "pedantic smile" at Felicite (446)? How would you describe Bourais's personality and his characteristics? How would you describe the relationship between Felicite and Loulou?