Durtal dans les méandres de sa conversion
Durtal and the ways of conversion: between design, destiny and vocation

Summary/Abstract: In this paper we show that the conversion of Durtal appears in its epistemological dimension. For the hero, this dimension can be observed in his almost haunting attempt to understand his spiritual journey in the face of the unfathomable will of God. The analysis of his monologues explicitly demonstrates that, despite his conversion, Durtal sank into spiritual stagnation. Consequently, even spiritual accompaniment becomes for him only a palliative. For the Huysmansian hero, conversion has another dimension – this is a spiritual emancipation which is realized only in the contemplation of divine perfection to the detriment of all community rules imposed by the Church or by contemporary society.

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