1. Howitzer: a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories. -Merriam-Webster Online
Page 145: "The drum rolled, the howitzer thundered, and the gentlemen filed onto the platform, seating themselves in the armchairs of red Utrecht velvet that Madame Tuvache had lent them."
2. Emma and Leon's relationship plateaus because neither will admit their feelings for the other. Emma becomes obsessed with the idea of being "virtuous" and goes to see the priest, but he doesn't understand what she's trying to do and so she leaves without confessing anything. Leon moves to Paris, breaking Emma's heart and leaving unresolved feelings. Soon after, though, Emma meets Rodolphe Boulanger, a confident, wealthy man who developes an attraction to her. Unlike Leon, Rodolphe is quick to make his feelings known.
3. The section of this reading that really stood out to me was when Rodolphe was seducing Emma while the agriculture fair was going on. The narrative cuts back and forth between Rodolphe telling Emma whatever he thinks she wants to hear and an official giving a speech and handing out awards for things like "manure". Not only is this humorous but it also serves to emphasize Rodolphe's manipulations. This was the first part in the book that made me laugh out loud while reading it, and I think it was very cleverly done. I feel bad for Emma, though, because while it's clear she thinks she's finally getting her whirlwind romance, she's actually getting a whole lot of deception.
4. My first question from this section is about Charles's apparent blindness towards his wife and her relationships. I don't understand how he couldn't see what's going on. First with Leon, and now with Rodolphe. It's one thing to not want to see something, but he can't have not noticed that his wife acts strangely around these other men.
My second question is whether Rodolphe and Emma will actually carry through with the affair, and if so, if they will be caught. Will Charles ever wise up? Will Emma be busted in action?
My last question over this section is about Berthe. I wonder how she'll grow up. Will she end up like her mother or more like her father? It's strange to think about.
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