Against Nature by J. K. Huysmans - Quiz
- 1. Against Nature, originally published in French as "À rebours" in 1884, is a seminal work by the French author J. K. Huysmans that epitomizes the Decadent movement of the late 19th century. The novel follows the reclusive and eccentric character Des Esseintes, a wealthy Parisians man who retreats from the superficiality of society and immerses himself in a self-imposed exile to his opulent country home. Disillusioned with the humdrum of bourgeois life and the constraints of social norms, Des Esseintes cultivates an aesthetic existence centered on beauty, art, and sensory experiences. His journey through art, literature, and the exploration of his own psyche exposes a deep yearning for meaning beyond the conventions of everyday life, contrasting the indulgences of sensory pleasures with a profound existential solitude. Huysmans' lush, intricate prose intricately weaves together themes of artifice versus nature, the complexity of human desires, and the struggle for identity, making the novel a pivotal critique of contemporary society. Ultimately, Against Nature encapsulates the conflict between the yearning for a transcendent experience and the inescapable reality of human existence, leaving readers to ponder the boundaries of art, morality, and the essence of being.
What is the original French title of 'Against Nature'?
A) Le Rouge et le Noir
B) Madame Bovary
C) Les Misérables
D) À rebours
- 2. Who is the main character of 'Against Nature'?
A) Turgenev
B) Des Esseintes
C) Dumas
D) Gérard
- 3. Which art forms does Des Esseintes appreciate?
A) Photography and film
B) Theater and dance
C) Painting and literature
D) Music and sculpture
- 4. What does Des Esseintes surround himself with?
A) People and events
B) Chaos and noise
C) Nature and artifice
D) Travel and adventure
- 5. What is a significant influence on Des Esseintes' worldview?
A) Romantic poetry
B) Decadent literature
C) Travel guides
D) Political essays
- 6. What does Des Esseintes often reflect on?
A) War strategies
B) Daily politics
C) Religious texts
D) Beauty in art
- 7. In what era is 'Against Nature' set?
A) Mid-19th century
B) Late 19th century
C) Early 20th century
D) 18th century
- 8. How does Des Esseintes view society?
A) With affection
B) With fear
C) With disdain
D) With curiosity
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