The Cathedral is a novel written by Joris-Karl Huysmans, originally published in French as La Cathédrale in 1898. This novel is part of the larger literary movement known as decadence and is a follow-up to Huysmans' earlier work, Against Nature (À rebours). The Cathedral continues to explore themes of decadence, art, and spirituality, but it takes a different narrative approach.
The story revolves around the character of Durtal, an author who has previously been the protagonist of Huysmans' works. In this novel, Durtal is researching and writing a book about Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century French nobleman known for his association with Joan of Arc and later for his crimes involving child abduction and murder. This subject matter reflects Durtal's fascination with the darker aspects of history.
Durtal also becomes interested in the subject of religious mysticism and decides to spend time at a Trappist monastery in order to explore his spiritual beliefs. As he immerses himself in the austere and contemplative life of the monastery, Durtal grapples with questions of faith, redemption, and the role of art in conveying religious experience.
Throughout the novel, Huysmans delves into various philosophical and theological ideas, contrasting the decadent, materialistic world of late 19th-century France with the ascetic, spiritual world of the monastery. The Cathedral is a reflection on the complexities of human nature, the search for meaning, and the tension between art and spirituality.
In essence, The Cathedral is a philosophical and introspective work that explores the intersection of aesthetics, religion, and the human condition. Through Durtal's journey, readers are invited to contemplate the role of art and faith in a world marked by decadence and uncertainty.
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