En ménage

"En ménage" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the character André, who grapples with the complexities of marriage and fidelity in a world burdened by societal expectations and personal disillusionment. The novel explores themes of domestic life, disappointment in relationships, and the pursuit of personal happiness, making it a reflective examination of human nature. The opening of the novel introduces us to two friends, André and Cyprien, as they exit a social gathering filled with dissatisfaction and cynicism about their experiences. André expresses his disdain for the frivolity of the evening and reflects on the challenges of married life, including infidelity and domestic drudgery. The narrative shifts dramatically when André returns home to discover an unexpected situation involving his wife and another man, leading him to confront his feelings of betrayal and the implications of his marital commitment. This poignant beginning effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of André's character and the existential dilemmas he faces within the confines of his life as a married man. (This is an automatically generated summary.)