Flaubert and his cynical attitude

I just can't quite figure out what Flaubert is trying to say in his novel. He is obviously cynical. About as cynical as it gets. But what is he targeting this at? Is Flaubert saying that many people throw away the joy in their lives because they are looking for something better? Not everyone in the novel was doing this. In fact, there were quite a few scenes of opposition to this because the apothecary is looking forward to progress and opportunity. Other neighbors are content with their lives, though they are not extraordinary or extravagant. Perhaps he is saying that chasing dreams will always be absolutely ridiculous, because Emma chases frivolous dreams all her life and then kills herself. I realize that he is trying to hold a mirror to the world, but his mirror doesn't quite gleam. Covered in soot, it shows us the world through a black veil of his cynical mind. Besides, who is Flaubert to tell me that the world is just a depressing mess where one cannot achieve true love? Bah-hum-bug!