As I said earlier, no speculating or assumptions from me. Just an interest in the discussions surrounding the story. I don't know, no one does.
I can recommend Madame Bovary, and if anyone is interested, (probably not), also reading a bit around the author Gustave Flaubert. A Master in the art of suggestion, and writing with such subtle nuances. Every word chosen so carefully.
Before I bore everyone to tears, I'll leave you with a fitting quote of his,
Il n’y a pas de vérité. Il n’y a que la perception. There is no truth. There is only one's perception.
(Lesson over!)