Des Esseintes, in Huymans’s novel, Against Nature, is intrigued by people who appear different to those he is accustomed to. His mistress, Miss Urania, is alluring in the sense that she is athletic and healthy, unlike his fragile nature. However, he is disappointed to see that she is, in fact, much like his previous mistresses. Des Esseintes loses interest in her because he seeks the excitement of unfamiliarity. Consider his encounter with the treacherous boy. Despite his fear, Des Esseintes feels fulfill because he is amazed by someone who appears to be the exact opposite to himself and his old, feeble servants. His excitement is spurred by the endless possibility that can occur to him since never felt so powerless. Although he is amused by
