The Trouble with Happiness by Tove Ditlevsen

"The Trouble with Happiness" is an anthology by the Danish author Tove Ditlevsen. Originally published in Danish as "Det er svært at dø i Dieppe" in 1952, the collection showcases Ditlevsen's keen insight into human nature and her talent for exploring the complexities of everyday life. Ditlevsen, born in 1917 in Copenhagen, is a celebrated figure in Danish literature, known for her deeply personal and autobiographical works. Her stories often reflect her tumultuous life, characterised by struggles with addiction, mental illness, and relationships.

The English translation of "The Trouble with Happiness," translated by Michael Favala Goldman, was published in 2022. This translation has brought renewed attention to Ditlevsen's work, introducing her to a broader international audience. Goldman's translation captures the nuance and emotional depth of Ditlevsen's prose, making her stories accessible to English-speaking readers while maintaining the original's literary integrity.

Plot

"The Trouble with Happiness" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people, revealing the underlying complexities and emotional struggles that define their existence. Each story in the collection presents a snapshot of different characters, often exploring themes of loneliness, unfulfilled desires, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.

In the title story, "The Trouble with Happiness," a woman reflects on her marriage and the disillusionment that has crept into her life. She grapples with the disparity between her expectations of happiness and the reality of her mundane existence. Her introspection leads to a poignant realization about the nature of contentment and the compromises one makes in the pursuit of happiness.

Another notable story, "The Umbrella," follows a young girl who becomes obsessed with owning a beautiful umbrella she sees in a shop window. Her fixation on the umbrella symbolizes her yearning for beauty and escape from her drab surroundings. The story highlights the impact of material desires on one's sense of self and the fleeting nature of satisfaction derived from possessions.

In "The Cat," a woman's encounter with a stray cat serves as a metaphor for her own feelings of abandonment and isolation. The cat's presence triggers a series of reflections on her life choices and the relationships that have defined her. Through this seemingly simple interaction, Ditlevsen explores themes of connection, empathy, and the human need for companionship.

Into the Book

One of the central themes in "The Trouble with Happiness" is the elusive nature of happiness. Ditlevsen's characters often grapple with their expectations of happiness versus the reality of their lives. In the title story, the protagonist's realization that her pursuit of happiness has led to disillusionment is a powerful commentary on the human condition. Ditlevsen suggests that happiness is not a constant state but a fleeting emotion, often overshadowed by life's inherent struggles. This theme is further explored in stories like "The Umbrella," where the young girl's obsession with the umbrella symbolizes the transient nature of materialistic desires. Her initial joy upon acquiring the umbrella quickly fades, leaving her with a sense of emptiness. Ditlevsen uses these narratives to illustrate the futility of seeking happiness in external objects and the importance of finding contentment within oneself.

She shouldn’t have gone. By constantly staying home, she warded off something terrible that was always just about to happen, something she was expecting, something that she, every day, minute by minute, pushed back into place like a wall that would topple if you didn’t press against it with all your might.

- The Trouble with Happines by Tove Ditlevsen

Isolation and the human need for connection are recurring themes throughout the collection. Many of Ditlevsen's characters experience profound loneliness and a longing for meaningful relationships. In "The Cat," the protagonist's interaction with the stray cat serves as a poignant metaphor for her own sense of abandonment. The cat's presence offers her a temporary reprieve from her isolation, highlighting the importance of companionship and empathy. Similarly, in "The Umbrella," the young girl's desire for the umbrella can be interpreted as a yearning for something beyond her mundane existence, a symbol of her need for connection and beauty in her life. Ditlevsen's exploration of these themes underscores the complexity of human relationships and the profound impact of isolation on one's emotional well-being.

What had he felt? It was strange she didn’t ask. The fact that we are so incredibly uninterested in what is happening inside the person closest to us is probably the source of many problems.

- The Trouble with Happines by Tove Ditlevsen

Another significant theme in "The Trouble with Happiness" is the struggle for identity. Ditlevsen's characters often find themselves questioning their roles and identities within the confines of societal expectations. In the title story, the protagonist's introspection leads her to question the choices she has made and the person she has become. Her journey of self-discovery is a reflection of the broader human quest for identity and meaning. In "The Umbrella," the young girl's fixation on the umbrella can be seen as an attempt to assert her individuality in a world that often overlooks her. Through these narratives, Ditlevsen delves into the complexities of identity formation and the internal conflicts that arise from societal pressures.

…maybe it is always too late by the time the heart is ready for reconcilation.

- The Trouble with Happiness by Tove Ditlevsen

Why It's a Masterpiece

"The Trouble with Happiness" is considered a masterpiece for several reasons. Firstly, Ditlevsen's writing is marked by its emotional depth and psychological insight. She has an extraordinary ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion, making her characters relatable and their experiences deeply resonant. Her prose is both lyrical and accessible, allowing readers to engage with complex themes in a meaningful way.

Secondly, Ditlevsen's exploration of universal themes such as happiness, isolation, and identity adds a timeless quality to her work. These themes are as relevant today as they were when the stories were first written, reflecting the enduring nature of Ditlevsen's insights into the human condition. Her ability to articulate the intricacies of everyday life and the inner workings of the human mind sets her apart as a writer of exceptional skill and sensitivity.

Furthermore, the structure of "The Trouble with Happiness" as a collection of short stories allows Ditlevsen to explore a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Each story stands on its own while contributing to the overarching themes of the collection. This format enables readers to delve into the lives of different characters, gaining a multifaceted understanding of the complexities that define human existence.

Finally, the recent English translation by Michael Favala Goldman has played a significant role in cementing the status of "The Trouble with Happiness" as a literary masterpiece. Goldman's translation captures the essence of Ditlevsen's prose, preserving its emotional intensity and lyrical beauty. This has introduced Ditlevsen's work to a new generation of readers, ensuring that her stories continue to be appreciated and celebrated.

Conclusion

It remains a cherished work in contemporary literature due to its profound exploration of timeless themes and its portrayal of the intricacies of human emotion. Tove Ditlevsen's keen insight into the human condition, combined with her lyrical prose, ensures that her stories resonate with readers across generations. The recent English translation has further broadened her audience, allowing more readers to experience the depth and beauty of her work. In a world where the search for happiness, connection, and identity continues to be a central aspect of the human experience, "The Trouble with Happiness" offers a poignant and insightful reflection on these universal concerns, making it as relevant and compelling today as it was upon its initial publication.

Next Week: Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov