We’re going to talk about something cheery in literature today; adultery. As I continue to add new books to my TBR and glance at some of the titles on my shelves, I’m increasingly surprised (and fascinated) that so many novels are centered around unfaithful spouses. More specifically, I’m interested in this theme from books written between the mid-1800s to around 1970.
My interest was initially piqued after I finished reading Anna Karenina, because I noticed similarities between Anna and Emma in Madam Bovary. These narratives were written by men and what happens to these characters because of their adultery is extreme. Would a woman have written this way? How do men and women write about adultery? How are men written about who are also unfaithful?
There is so much that can be analyzed here about how women are punished more harshly for the same deeds of men, morality, ethics, loyalty and faithfulness in marriage, trust in relationships, the fragility of the family structure, the impact of adultery etc. Most people would go on and agree that committing adultery is wrong and I agree. I think one reason it is such a prominent theme in literature is because its not uncommon and unhappy marriages are not an anamoly.
Another book I’m reminded of is Stoner by, John Williams. The husband steps outside of his marriage and commits adultery and his live unravels; so the emphasis is not just on women. I plan to re-read Stoner next year because it is an excellent book. I will read Someone at a Distance by, Dorothy Whipple this year; another story about a husband who breaks his vows. Honestly, if I listed all the books I’ve added to my TBR dealing with this topic, I would bore you all to tears. Two in particular I have my eyes on are The Weather in the Streets by, Rosamund Lehmann and Heartburn by, Nora Ephron. Heartburn in particular is supposed to be rather comical, as the heavily pregnant wife copes with her husband’s infidelity through cooking; I believe there are even recipes in this novel!
As I continue to read more novels regarding adultery, I’m excited to keep you all posted on what I discover and the analysis I pull together. I have enough reading on the topic to last years.
What is topic in literature that you are fascinated by, even if it is a bit…challenging? Have you read any of the titles I mention here?
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Anna Karenina by, Leo Tolstoy: ISBN 978-1-784-87195-6
Madam Bovary by, Gustave Flaubert: ISBN: 0978-0-141-39467-1
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Also pictured here:
- Chanel No. 5 because Emma and Anna are definitely Chanel No. 5 women!
- Drinking: Copper Cow Coffee
A topic in literature that I am fascinated by, even if it is a bit challenging, is motherhood. From Betty, My Brilliant Friend, The Dutch House, The Lost Daughter, & The Secret Life of Bees, I love when a book makes me think about motherhood. I love when a book dissects motherhood, makes me think about what a good mother is, & who gets to dictate that.
ReplyDeleteI read Stoner last year & absolutely loved it!