Emma and Hedda s Downfall, Foreshadowed

             Of all the literary techniques that Gustave Flaubert and Henrik Ibsen use to perfect their craft, foreshadowing was the most prevalent one. Foreshadowing's purpose is to hint at the future events in the literary piece. In this case, both authors foretell the downfall of the main female character in each work: Emma Bovary in Madame Bovary and Hedda Tesman in "Hedda Gabler."" Both authors use figurative language, characterization through behavior and actions, and imagery to foreshadow the dramatic downfalls of these damsels in self-inflicted distress.
             Gustave Flaubert is famed for his obsession with perfecting his craft. In Madame Bovary, he hints at the downfall and death of Emma through figurative language. Emma thinks that she is in love with Charles before their marriage, but then, "felt that she must have been mistaken since the happiness which should have resulted from this love had not come to her,"" (Flaubert 29). Her unhappiness in this marriage foreshadows bad outcomes of these conflicts. Emma believes that, "love ought to come like a storm. It did not occur to her that rain forms puddles on a flat roof when the drainpipes are clogged,"" (Flaubert 87). This use of figurative language has a negative connotation, suggesting that Emma s search for her love will backfire on her. Also, the reference to storms has a negative connotation. Throughout literature's history, rain remained a major symbol for sadness, with rain drops resembling the fall of tears. Therefore, the allusion to storms in Emma's view of love is interpreted as a bad omen.
             Henrik Ibsen also uses figurative language to foreshadow the ruin of Hedda in "Hedda Gabler."" Hedda complains about the smell of lavender and pot-pourri in the house (Ibsen 207). She says that the house has, "a sort of odour of death. Like a bouquet the day after a ball."" Though this figurative language spoken by Hedda foreshadows Aunt Rina s death, it also foretells her own.