# Là-Bas — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/i.md): 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 
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ii.md): 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 spiritu
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/iii.md): 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 
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/iv.md): 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
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/v.md): 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 Middl

> 17 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=l_bas_se_648kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [The Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/x.md)
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xiii.md)
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xv.md)
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvi.md)
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvii.md)
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xviii.md)
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xix.md)
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xx.md)
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxi.md)
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxii.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters