Yes, 'Madame Bovary' was Gustave Flaubert's first published novel. It was a significant work that had a great impact on the development of the realist novel. Flaubert's meticulous attention to detail and his unflinching portrayal of the life and disillusionment of his characters made this novel a classic. It also led to some controversy at the time of its publication due to its frank treatment of certain themes.
No. There were many novels published before 'Madame Bovary'. For example, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes was published much earlier in 1605. 'Madame Bovary' was published in 1857.
No. 'Madame Bovary' is a realist novel. It mainly focuses on the life and disillusionment of the protagonist, Emma Bovary. It delves into themes such as the limitations of provincial life, the power of dreams and desires, and the consequences of excessive romanticism, not on erotic content.
It can be seen as having some feminist elements, but it's not a straightforward feminist novel. The character of Emma Bovary rebels against societal expectations in her own way, but her actions and fate are complex.
The realism in 'Madame Bovary' also contributes to it being seen as the first modern novel. Flaubert depicted the provincial life, the middle - class society, and the everyday mundanity with great accuracy. It was a departure from the more idealized or fantastical works before, and this kind of realistic portrayal became a cornerstone of modern literature.