The Maid

This first chapter of Flauber's A Simple Soul is extremely descriptive. He describes every inch and cranny of the house, producing a very vivid picture. Also, he describes the maid Felicite just as vividly. After I read this first chapter I started thinking about the name. Felicite. Although I don't know French, I can kind of infer that it has something to do with hapiness. Felicidad. The maid, however, doesn't really seem happy. She gets paid very badly and has a loaf of bread that lasts her three weeks. Although he doesn't mention whether or not shes happy, her situation in life isn't one of joy. Specially not enough to call the main character Felicite.
What is he trying to do then?