Là-Bas · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
I
Durtal and Des Hermies debate the merits and failures of naturalism in literature, with Des Hermies condemning its materialism and Durtal defending its contributions. Durtal then reflects on his artistic ideal, found in the Primitives and especially in Grünewald's Crucifixion, which embodies a 'supernatural realism.' This leads him to contemplate Catholicism and the supernatural, though he acknowledges his lack of faith and the worldly motives that draw him toward religion.
Chapter 2
II
Durtal reflects on his withdrawal from literary society, his friendship with Des Hermies, and his immersion in the study of Gilles de Rais as an escape from contemporary naturalism. Des Hermies diagnoses Durtal's spiritual disarray and recovery through medieval history. The chapter also introduces the Chantelouve salon and Des Hermies's enigmatic character.
Chapter 3
III
Durtal endures the chaotic cleaning habits of his concierge, Père Rateau, and later discusses with Des Hermies the virtues of dust and the symbolism of bells. They visit Carhaix, the bell-ringer, who laments the decline of bell-ringing as a sacred art and shows them the tower's broken statues and an old bell skull. Durtal reflects on the comfort of bells and Carhaix's devotion to his craft.
Chapter 4
Chapter IV
Durtal and Des Hermies discuss the life and crimes of Gilles de Rais, focusing on his transformation from a brave captain and patron of the arts into a sacrilegious sadist. Des Hermies asserts that Satanism persists into the modern era, linking it to corrupt clergy. Durtal outlines Gilles's biography, his role in the court of Charles VII, his ruinous extravagance, and his descent into occultism and murder.
Chapter 5
V
Durtal, Des Hermies, and Carhaix continue their discussion of Satanism, focusing on the black mass, the use of consecrated hosts for sacrilegious acts, and the historical continuity of diabolical practices from the Middle Ages to the present. Des Hermies details modern Satanist societies, the role of defrocked priests like Canon Docre, and the hypocrisy of perverse clergy. Carhaix shares anecdotes about the astrologer Gévingey's bell experiments. The chapter ends with a meal in Carhaix's tower, where the conversation returns to Gilles de Rais and the persistence of Satanism through the centuries.
Free preview
17 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.
17 more companions → free preview