Sentimental Education Essay

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In Flaubert's Sentimental Education, the concept and practicality of money seems to be split up into two parts. One part is the material gain of money, such as clothing, furniture, and art. The second idea is that of the social ideologies and practices that come with wealth in society, such as conversations, political stances, and status. For Frederic, the material aspect of money entices him and helps form a lot of his motivations within the novel. Only when he comes in contact with the latter, does Frederic experiences distaste for a wealthy life. Ultimately, it is Frederic's creation of a material ideal that causes a disparity with the unsubstantial social ideologies and practices of the society surrounding money. That disparity, in turn, traps him within a cycle of idealism and disillusionment.
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The first association between material wealth and ideals is expressed in Frederic and Delaurier's future dream. As boys, Frederic and Delaurier come up with a plan to live off of Frederic's inheritance, "go on a long journey," and have "love affairs with princesses in satin boudoirs, or wild orgies with famous courtesans" (Flaubert 17 and 18). The intent to use an inheritance, one that he has not even earned yet, to see the world, shows that even from the beginning, Frederic had a clear interest in money and what it can provide. This idea of inheritance also introduces Frederic's tendency to associate money with achievement of goals. For instance, as soon as Frederic decides that he wants to be an artist, he goes out and buys "a box of paints, some brushes, and an easel" (58). And while Pellerin offers to give Frederic lessons, he ultimately does not take the artists offer, and instead uses him to make sure he has everything to

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