Literature and circulation of affects: promises of happiness, illusion and helplessness in The House In The Woods, by Bernhard Schlink

promessas de felicidade, ilusão e desamparo em A casa na floresta, de Bernhard Schlink

Abstract

The work seeks to reflect, based on a work by Bernhard Schlink, on important aspects of the organization of society, as well as on its dramas, memories and daily challenges in contemporary times. Thus, the study of The house in the forest short novel makes it possible to think about the transformations and dilemmas of society, given the transformations in intimacy and affections, in a world marked by the ephemeral nature of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness as a social obligation, problematizing certain aspects of contemporary life that tend to be naturalized. The (mis)meetings between men and women, in their marital relationships, as well as in dreams, ideals and fears, bring the paradoxes of the couple’s search for happiness, gender equality and personal fulfillment, confronted with the prejudices of each person. The social meanings of “tamed” nature, facing a predominantly urban capitalist world, the life in common, and of each individual that makes up a couple, as well as the education of children are some of the themes addressed with lightness and depth in this work by Schlink, which brings several elements to think about the challenges of contemporaneity.