Against the Grain · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Des Esseintes reflects on his past mistresses, particularly Miss Urania and a ventriloquist, as he experiences a resurgence of carnal desires triggered by a Siraudin sweetmeat.
What happens
Des Esseintes reflects on his past mistresses, particularly Miss Urania and a ventriloquist, as he experiences a resurgence of carnal desires triggered by a Siraudin sweetmeat. His attempt to find solace in Dickens' novels backfires, leading him to wallow in memories of old dissipations.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
The emotional and psychological peak occurs in the narrator's horrifying self-confrontation in the mirror, whe…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Aestheticism and Sensuality
Des Esseintes' sensory experience with the Siraudin bonbon triggers vivid memories of past lovers, highlighting the aesthetic and sensual pleasures he seeks.
- Disillusionment with Society
Des Esseintes' disdain for the common herd's appreciation of art reflects his broader disillusionment with society and its tastes.
- The Futility of Pleasure
Despite his attempts to recapture past pleasures through memory and sensory triggers, Des Esseintes finds only disappointment and a sense of futility.
Characters to notice
- Des Esseintes
Reflects on his past mistresses and experiences a resurgence of carnal desires.
- Miss Urania
An American acrobat who becomes the first in a procession of remembered mistresses.
- Marquis de Sade
Mentioned in the context of Des Esseintes' thoughts on art and the elect.
- Charles Baudelaire
Referenced as part of Des Esseintes' reflections on art and the common herd.
- Gustave Flaubert
Mentioned in the context of Des Esseintes' literary tastes.
- Émile Zola
Referenced as part of Des Esseintes' reflections on art and the common herd.
Key passages
“He shut his portfolios and once more fell into a state of indifference and ill humour.”
He closed his art collections and sank back into apathy and bad temper.
Des Esseintes' mood worsens after contemplating the popular success of art.
“The carnal side of his nature, that had lain dormant for months, roused...”
His sexual desires, which had been inactive for months, were awakened.
Des Esseintes experiences a resurgence of physical longing.
“He got up and gloomily opened a little box of silver-gilt...”
He rose and morosely opened a small, ornate box.
Des Esseintes retrieves the Siraudin bonbons that trigger his memories.
