Against the Grain · Chapter
XII explained
Des Esseintes returns home and reacquaints himself with his library, finding new beauty in his books and bindings.
What happens
Des Esseintes returns home and reacquaints himself with his library, finding new beauty in his books and bindings. He reflects on Baudelaire's unique ability to explore the morbid psychology of the soul and contrasts him with other writers, particularly Barbey d'Aurévilly, whose style he admires for its decadent, gamey qualities.
Themes in this chapter
Decadence and Degeneracy
Des Esseintes revels in the 'gamey flavors' and 'stains of disease' in decadent literature, particularly in Baudelaire and Barbey d'Aurévilly.
Aestheticism and Sensuality
The chapter dwells on the physical beauty of books—their bindings, papers, and typography—as objects of sensual pleasure.
Disillusionment with Society
Des Esseintes' retreat into his library and his disdain for ordinary life reflect his disillusionment with the outside world.
Characters to notice
- Des Esseintes
Returns home and reviews his library, finding new appreciation for his books and bindings; reflects on Baudelaire and Barbey d'Aurévilly.
- Charles Baudelaire
Des Esseintes admires Baudelaire's exploration of morbid psychology and the sick mind, praising his unique style and depth.
- Barbey d'Aurévilly
Des Esseintes compares Barbey's style to that of ecclesiastical writers, noting his romanticism and decadent flavor.
- Honoré de Balzac
Mentioned as an example of earlier literature that explored the surface of the soul and normal passions.
Key passages
“His admiration for the writer in question was limitless. To his mind, Literature had hitherto confined itself to exploring the mere surface of the soul or, at most, penetrating into such of its underground chambers as were readily accessible and well lighted...”
Des Esseintes believes that previous literature only scratched the surface of the human soul, unlike Baudelaire who delved into its darkest depths.
Des Esseintes contrasts Baudelaire's depth with earlier literary traditions.
“He had revealed the morbid psychology of the mind that has reached the October of its sensations, detailed the symptoms of souls challenged by grief, set apart by spleen...”
Baudelaire exposed the decay of emotions and the bitterness that comes with age and disillusionment.
Des Esseintes praises Baudelaire's insight into the autumn of life and its psychological toll.
“Among all the volumes he had been arranging on his shelves, the works of Barbey d’Aurévilly were still the only ones whose matter and style offered those gamey flavours, those stains of disease and decay, that cankered surface, that taste of rotten-ripeness which he so loved to savour...”
Des Esseintes values Barbey d'Aurévilly's works for their decadent, almost rotten quality that he finds appealing.
Des Esseintes' taste for decay and disease in literature is highlighted.