The Cathedral

The Cathedral by J.K. Huysmans is a novel that follows the spiritual journey of a man named Durtal who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. The novel is a work of decadent literature and it explores themes of faith sin and redemption. The novel is divided into two parts. In the first part Durtal immerses himself in the study of the Middle Ages with a particular focus on the life of Gilles de Rais a 15th-century French nobleman and serial killer. Through his research Durtal becomes increasingly obsessed with the darker aspects of human nature and he begins to question his own faith. In the second part of the novel Durtals spiritual crisis comes to a head as he visits various churches and monasteries seeking guidance and enlightenment. Huysmans writing is deeply introspective and psychological as he explores the inner workings of Durtals mind and soul.