Write a diary entry from one of the characters. Maybe it's not an important one like Charles or Emma; it might be a minor observer in the inn or on the Hirondelle. It could even be one of Charles's patients who doesn't even appear as a character in the book. Obviously, choose to write about some key event in the book; don't just write, "It's a nice day. I like pie."

Write a letter from one character to another. Maybe a letter from Father Roualt to Charles, or from Homais to Leon. Whatever you choose, though, try to make the letter sound like the character writing it. Don't just be you with a phony name.

Try an editorial about Flaubert's shocking novel. Maybe you want to write a letter to the editor of the Yonville Gazette about some goings-on that you've observed.

Imitate Flaubert's style for a little bit. Write a description of your own in which the mood of a place is evoked from the way it's described. Notice Flaubert is the master of the TINY DETAIL; he doesn't go in for the grand gesture. He's more at home describing the food on a plate than describing the Grand Canyon.

Compare the diction and style in two short passages. Show how Flaubert intends them to be complementary.

Figure out the significance of one of Flaubert's symbols--the garden, the plaster curé, the cigar case, windows, etc.

Analyze a passage and interpret the irony in it. There are many such places in the book.

Go after a character and take apart one of his or her actions or traits. Figure out why Flaubert has this person behave this way.

Spot a trend in the novel and pursue it. For instance, frequently Flaubert employs the word "would" during the passage of an indeterminate amount of time, stopping only when he gets to "the moment."

Here the gloves are off. You may write about anything that catches your fancy. You can be angry, appreciative, mocking, sincere, facetious, etc. You can write about your conflicting emotions concerning Emma, how actually scandalous you found the sex scenes, how hateful the merchant is, etc. You can write about religion, middle class values, the dangers of reading, or anything else that catches your fancy. Above all, though, make sure it's directly related to the book. Back up what you say with reference to actual quotes or events in the novel.