If Emma Bovary had shared the cynicism and awareness of the speaker of this ballade, she would never have met the fate she did. A hint of that fate might have added some depth to the poem, if "die" were saved for the end instead of the section on nuns. I haven't read Madame Bovary since I was an undergrad, but reading this ballade brought it right back to me. Like most poems about literature, this one benefits enormously if the reader knows the work in question. Having just written my first ballade, I know how demanding that rhyme scheme is, so I have nothing but admiration for the way this poet makes it look easy. The refrain makes it sound as though the whole problem is that the husband is a country doctor. His lack of sophistication and ability are larger problems, but so are her own expectations. Admittedly, that would be a lot to pack into a refrain. I do like the metaphors associated with the two lovers, which are both poetic high points in the poem. And it sounds great. One of the huge advantages of the French repeating forms is the way they can sing.
Susan
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