# Religion and Spirituality in Against the Grain

> Theme guide for Against the Grain by J.-K. Huysmans.

Despite his skepticism, Des Esseintes is drawn to Catholic ritual, Latin hymns, and theological debates, experiencing a conflicted yearning for faith that manifests in his appreciation of ecclesiastical art and his childhood memories of Jesuit education.

## Where it surfaces

- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/vii): Des Esseintes' reflections on his Jesuit education and his conflicted feelings toward faith and conversion are central to the chapter.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xv): The chapter delves into Des Esseintes' nostalgia for the plainsong and liturgical music of his Jesuit upbringing, contrasting it with modern, secularized religious music.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xvi): Des Esseintes reflects on the failure of religion, the adulteration of sacraments, and the impossibility of belief, deepening his despair.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/themes/religion_and_spirituality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/themes