Chapter 17: Charles's Death
The stress of Emma's debts and the grief of her death proved too much for Charles's weak constitution. He became ill and was confined to his bed, too weak to work or care for himself. His medical practice was abandoned.
As Charles lay dying, he thought only of Emma. In his mind, she was still the beautiful young woman he had married, and he loved her as much as ever. He forgave her for everything and died with her name on his lips.
Charles's death marked the end of the Bovary family line. Their young daughter was sent to live with relatives, and Charles's possessions were sold to pay what remained of his debts.
The couple who had once been the center of village life in Yonville were now forgotten. Their tragic story became just another tale of unhappiness, remembered only by a few who had known them.