A Simple Heart: Theme of love

A Simple Heart: Theme of love

A simple heart by Gustave Flaubert describes the life, the affections, and the sufferings of a kind maidservant called Felicite. Although felicity means happiness, Felicite did not know any real joy, and she faced a lot of frustrations in her life. Naturally, suffering brings along animosity, but Felicite chose a different path of loyalty and love for all. Although a lot of pain is vivid in the text, there is a sufficient expression of affection towards people and nature.

Felicite is described as a hardworking employee. Although she was treated in an inhumane way, her undying loyalty for her job is evident. Orphaned at a tender age, Felicite worked diligently in a farm enduring hardships until she was dismissed. “ She used to shiver under her rags and drink water out of the ponds on an empty stomach; she was beaten for nothing at all and was finally dismissed for theft of thirty sovereigns, a crime she had not committed”  (31). Madam Mme Aubain later employed Felicite. Despite madam Aubain being a hard person to work with, Felicite was able to get along with her, and madam Mme acknowledged that in her fifty years, Felicite was the excellent employee she had. Mistreatments from the employer did not melt away the loyalty she had to the family. Through her commitment, Felicite indeed showed passionate love to her line of duty.

Even though madam Aubain is widowed, she still loved her husband. Memories of him were all over the house and Felicite couldn’t help but notice. Madam Aubain had portraits of her late husband in her room and treasured the memories “… memories of the “master” hovering everything” (37). Felicite, on the other hand, fell in love with Theodore. Theodore had earlier tried to take advantage of her and blamed it on the drinks he had drunk on that day. Despite that incidence, Felicite was convinced and gave Theodore a second chance believing that his love for her was genuine. Felicite sacrificed her time and would go for dates with Theodore as she was very attached to him, “she stole out at night… (30). Theodore later betrayed their love to get married to a rich old woman. Felicite was heartbroken, and her reaction was an outburst full of grief. Felicite went ahead to give notice to the farm she was working and left for another town. The broken faith adversely affected her.

Felicite cherished all people regardless of their social status. Madam Aubain’s uncle was poor and came visiting severally during meal time. Although his coming would leave a mess in the house, Felicite was always gentle to him and did not handle him inappropriately. “Felicite pushed him out politely…” (41). The solicitor who used to come was also treated with dignity, which showed Felicite’s immense love to anyone. Felicite was also fond of madam Aubain’s children, and even when Virginie, madam Aubain’s daughter got unwell, Felicite would offer individual attention to her “she was entirely concerned about Virginie’s health…” (47). Felicite celebrated the milestones achieved by the children, and an example is when Virginie was receiving her first communion. “At the time when the little girl opened her mouth and closed her eyes, she felt ready to be swoon away” (59). In the course of traveling, Felicite met her long lost sister. The sister and her children visited Felicite, and in return, Felicite would make them presents. “She bought counterpanes, shirts, and chemises for them.” (53). Madam Aubain was however not pleased by the frequent visits and the generosity extended to Felicite’s sister. When Virginie attended convent school, Felicite’s nephew, Victor used to come to visit them. The same kind of charity was extended to him, and he would be given money at times. These illustrations point out to the fact that indeed Felicite had an attachment with whoever she met.

When Virginie died, madam Aubain was adversely affected due to the affection she had to her daughter. Madam Aubain was slipping into despair, but Felicite took it upon herself to encourage her employer by continually reminding her of her duty to the remaining child and precious memories of her daughter. Indeed Felicite was filled with empathy and cared much about her employer’s feelings.  Felicite kept vigil by the body alone and prepared it for burial. Even in death, she kissed her over and over again (80). Felicite also took care of the grave singlehandedly so that when her employer visits the cemetery, she is comforted. Felicite’s love blooms and is extended to even strangers. She helps in nursing cholera patients, assisting some refugees and a homeless man accused of atrocities during the French revolution.

Felicite also cherishes a parrot and teaches it to talk. Through constant communication, their bond grew stronger. She goes to the extent of searching for the parrot in the whole town whenever it disappeared.” She examined every garden in Pont I’Eveque and stopped passersby: “Did you chance to see my parrot today?” (93). Even in death, Felicite treasured the parrot and walked to Honfleur to have it stuffed. The parrot was treated with reverence. Felicite idolizes it and likens it to the Holy Ghost.

The theme of love is depicted in this short story mainly through Felicite. She adores everyone, and even though her affection is not reciprocated, she never quit loving and having a kind heart.

Works Cited

Flaubert, Gustave. A Simple Heart. H.S. Nichols, 1898.