Felicite In Gustave Flaubert's A Simple Heart

In the story "A Simple Heart," Gustave Flaubert describes Felicite as a loving, caring, servant. At an early age, Felicite was orphaned which causes her to lack love in her life. Felicite is always looking for someone or something to love. Once Felicite has found that love, it seems to rapidly vanish and cause her heartache and pain. Stratton Buck says, "Aside from these years of competent and unceasing domestic labor, the story of Felicite's life is not much more than the account of successive disappearances of the persons she loved and served" (104). Felicite does not take for granted the love she develops in her life; she enjoys every moment she shares with each person she loves. Felicite always stays strong and begins to look for love
Although Madame Aubain rarely displays affection or appreciation for Felicite, Felicite is still deeply devoted to her. In many ways Felicite protects Madame Aubain. It is Felicite who bargains with tradespeople, and who eases obnoxious visitors out of the house. It is also Felicite who saves Madame Aubain and her children from an angry bull they encounter during an outing. Felicite could be killed herself by the bull for trying to save them. Felicite's love and devotion is so strong for Madame Aubain that she risks her own life for the life of Madame Aubain and her children. Doing these types of things just comes natural and normal to Felicite, and she feels no need to brag or talk about it. "Felicite felt no pride about it, not even considering that she had done anything heroic" (5). Felicite soon becomes an exemplary housekeeper and takes over the running of the household. Felicite does the cooking, cleaning, and takes care of the children. She works without stopping until the evening every day. Felicite works hard because she will do whatever it takes to make Madame Aubain
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When Madame Aubain dies, few morn her, but Felicite is devastated. Madame Aubain always keeps people at a distance, but her and Felicite grow closer together. As Felicite's love for Madame Aubain strengthens, she loses her. Felicite feels as though Madame Aubain also loves her because she is the only one that Madame Aubain opens up to. Felicite is grateful for the time she was able to have with Madame Aubain, but she is still more devastated than anyone else.

Felicite becomes attached to Madame Aubain's children: Paul and Virginia. "Beyond a basic faithfulness to her mistress, Felicite found a new outlet in devotion to Madame Aubain's children" (Bart 691). Felicite likes to give the children many kisses to express her love towards them; although, Madame Aubain admonishes Felicite for kissing them too much. Since the children are still young Felicite is able to give and receive much love from them. Paul, who is seven years old, helps educate Felicite since she is not well educated. Paul shows Felicite geography of engravings. It represents all types of different scenes in the world. Felicite enjoys the effort Paul puts into educating her which really makes her feel well loved. As Felicite and Paul's relationship strengthens, Paul is then sent away to go to school at Caen. Felicite wishes that Paul will return soon, but she knows it is better for him to be where he is. Felicite also misses the noise and the fun that she has with