Against Nature, also known as Against the Grain, is a novel by Joris-Karl Huysmans that epitomizes the decadent movement of the late 19th century. The protagonist, Jean des Esseintes, is a wealthy and eccentric aristocrat who retreats from society to indulge in his own aesthetic and sensual pleasures. He surrounds himself with rare books, exquisite art, and luxurious objects, creating an artificial and decadent world within his secluded mansion. Against Nature explores themes of alienation, ennui, and the rejection of societal norms. Huysmans' novel is a vivid portrayal of the decadent lifestyle and a critique of bourgeois values.
