# Chapter IX explained — Against the Grain

> Chapter companion for Against the Grain by J.-K. Huysmans.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/against_the_grain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters