# Mme Chantelouve — Là-Bas character guide

> Mme Chantelouve in Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mme . Chantelouve, the Chantelouve

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

The unknown correspondent whose letters set Durtal's dormant senses ablaze, a married woman who proves far stranger and more dangerous than her elegant handwriting suggests.

## Who they are

Durtal spends a whole day tidying his apartment and buying exotic liqueurs for her first visit, only to find himself exhausted before she arrives. She is married to a sugary, calculating hagiographer who almost certainly knows about her goings-on and says nothing. She draws Durtal toward a world of séances, satanism, and appetite that his research into Gilles de Rais had only prepared him to recognize, not to resist.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ii)

Hosts a salon with her husband; described as possessing a bizarre charm and a silent, distant demeanor.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned indirectly as Durtal's obsession, though not present in the chapter.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vii)

Suspected of being the mysterious 'H. de Maubel'; described as blonde, slight, with ash-grey eyes and a reserved exterior masking possible passion.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/viii)

Hyacinthe Chantelouve becomes the suspected author of the letters. Durtal begins to desire her, and she visits him, leading to a planned rendezvous.

### [The Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/x)

Madame Chantelouve visits Durtal, resists his advances, speaks of her husband and confessor, and invites him to her home the next night, leaving Durtal perplexed about her true intentions.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xi)

Durtal grows angry at her manipulative delays and impertinent remarks, deciding to break off the affair.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xii)

Receives Durtal in a white swanskin wrapper, engages in flirtatious and intellectual conversation, and agrees to visit him the next night.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xiii)

Visits Durtal, is passionate but emotionally vulnerable; her behavior shifts from mysterious allure to mundane and disappointing.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xv)

Madame Chantelouve visits Durtal, is initially hurt by his cold letter, but stays despite his deception; she reveals her past connection to Canon Docre and admits to having learned incubacy from him.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvi)

Durtal analyzes her three distinct beings: reserved woman, carnal harlot, and pitiless Satanist.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvii)

Visits Durtal and discusses her past with Canon Docre, the Black Mass, and Satanic practices.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xviii)

Arranges Durtal's attendance at the Black Mass by having him sign a letter, then leaves hurriedly.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xix)

Leads Durtal to the chapel, participates in the ceremony, and is rebuffed when she seeks to continue their relationship afterward.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xx)

Mentioned indirectly as Durtal suspects her involvement.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxi)

Sends Durtal a final letter accepting the end of their affair, accusing him of ingratitude and lamenting his lack of emotional depth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/characters/chantelouve
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/characters