Gustave Flaubert blends the scenery of revolutionary France, satire, and a forbidden love story with a young man in personal turmoil as he attempts to reach the upper levels of society. Frederic Moreau, a law student, falls into secret, passionate love with Madame Arnoux, a slender, dark woman several years older than himself. Befriending her husband in order to stay close to Madame Arnoux, Moreau meanwhile squanders his fortune on women, wine, and song in the attempt to achieve the life of ease.