# the doctor — Against the Grain character guide

> the doctor in Against the Grain by J.-K. Huysmans.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0018-xvi

## Who they are

Physician who advises Des Esseintes on his failing health.

## Relationships

### [Des Esseintes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/characters/des_esseintes)

_professional_

The doctor is a medical authority whom Des Esseintes consults but often resists, embodying the conflict between decadent will and physical health.

## In the story

### [Notice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/notice)

Physicians consulted by Des Esseintes warn him about his health, prompting his decision to change his way of life.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xi)

The Fontenay doctor who is called to attend to Des Esseintes after his collapse but fails to understand his condition.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xv)

Summoned by Des Esseintes in a desperate attempt to cure his nervous disorders.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xvi)

The doctor who ordered Des Esseintes to leave Fontenay for Paris, insisting on distraction and amusement as the only cure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/characters/the_doctor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/characters