Naturalism vs. Spirituality

The book contrasts the materialistic, earthbound focus of naturalist literature with a yearning for the supernatural, the mystical, and the spiritual, as seen in the characters' debates about art and their fascination with Satanism and medieval religiosity.

The central debate of the chapter: Des Hermies condemns naturalism's materialism, while Durtal seeks a 'supernatural realism' that transcends the senses, exemplified by Grünewald's art.

The debate contrasts positivist science (Charcot, hysteria) with spiritual explanations of possession, with Durtal ultimately favoring the literary and spiritual mystery of succubacy over rationalism.