Against the Grain · Question
How does Against the Grain develop the theme of Disillusionment with Society?
Answer
Against the Grain by J.-K. Huysmans develops Disillusionment with Society across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The protagonist holds a profound contempt for the bourgeoisie, the aristocracy, and the literary world, viewing them as hypocritical, vulgar, and intellectually bankrupt, which drives his misanthropic withdrawal and rejection of modern life.
Des Esseintes is repulsed by the hypocrisy, triviality, and materialism of Parisian society, leading him to reject both aristocratic circles and literary cliques.
His hatred of Parisian society, self-made men, and the stupidity of tradesmen drives him to retreat and lock himself away with his books.
Des Esseintes' rejection of mainstream Latin literature and his retreat into obscure, decadent authors reflect his broader disillusionment.
Evidence in the book
- Notice
Des Esseintes is repulsed by the hypocrisy, triviality, and materialism of Parisian society, leading him to reject both aristocratic circles and literary cliques.
- Chapter II
His hatred of Parisian society, self-made men, and the stupidity of tradesmen drives him to retreat and lock himself away with his books.
- Chapter III
Des Esseintes' rejection of mainstream Latin literature and his retreat into obscure, decadent authors reflect his broader disillusionment.
- VI
His scheme is motivated by a desire to create an enemy of society, reflecting his deep disillusionment.
- Chapter IX
Des Esseintes' disdain for the common herd's appreciation of art reflects his broader disillusionment with society and its tastes.
- Chapter XI
His vision of London as a 'terrible world of men of business' and a 'ruthless machine' reflects his disillusionment with modern society and its dehumanizing effects.
- XII
Des Esseintes' retreat into his library and his disdain for ordinary life reflect his disillusionment with the outside world.
- Chapter XIII
Des Esseintes condemns the hypocrisy of laws that both permit and punish birth control, and laments the cruelty of the struggle for existence, seeing no escape from misery for any class.
