our " troublesome " - " the" - in PROUST

" the" - Our "troublesome "definite article- Is it that troublesome?

Jakie macie propozycje na znaczenie " the " w poniższych zdaniach: ( napiszcie proszę ewentualnie w komentarzach ). Ja mam 1 propozycję ale na razie cicho sza.....

I have found the following sentences in  JÓZEF CZAPSKI'S book " LOST TIME- LECTURES ON PROUST IN A SOVIET PRISON CAMP" translated by Eric Karpeles.

 and I would like to ask you if you can explain the meaning of the article 'the' in the context:

1....'he was susceptible to the many temptations with which he found himself surrounded'

2....'defended Proust from the many critics who attacked him'

Thank you professor E.J. for this gift!