# How does Là-Bas develop the theme of Satanism and Evil?

> Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans

## Answer

Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans develops Satanism and Evil across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Evil is explored through the historical figure of Gilles de Rais and contemporary Satanic practices, examining the psychology of cruelty, demonic pacts, and the idea that evil can be a deliberate, spiritual choice rather than mere madness.

Des Hermies argues that Satanism is a continuous tradition from the Middle Ages to the present, embodied by Gilles de Rais and modern corrupt clergy.

The chapter is dominated by a detailed discussion of Satanic practices, including the black mass, sacrilegious use of hosts, and historical continuity of diabolism.

Durtal reflects on Satanism as an internal force, using Gilles de Rais as an example of the demonic incarnate in human souls, beyond external manifestations.

## Evidence

- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/iv.md): Des Hermies argues that Satanism is a continuous tradition from the Middle Ages to the present, embodied by Gilles de Rais and modern corrupt clergy.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter is dominated by a detailed discussion of Satanic practices, including the black mass, sacrilegious use of hosts, and historical continuity of diabolism.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/viii.md): Durtal reflects on Satanism as an internal force, using Gilles de Rais as an example of the demonic incarnate in human souls, beyond external manifestations.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ix.md): The chapter delves into modern Satanism through the figure of Canon Docre, who performs sacrilegious acts and evokes the Devil, and discusses the practice of incubacy and succubacy.
- [xi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xi.md): Gilles de Rais's crimes are framed as a Satanic cheat, with diabolic evocations and offerings to the Devil, illustrating the theme of spiritual corruption and the pursuit of evil beyond human limits.
- [xv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xv.md): Durtal obsesses over Canon Docre's alleged Satanic practices, including the black mass and sacrilegious use of hosts, and discusses the reality of demonic evocation.
- [xvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvii.md): Madame Chantelouve recounts her attendance at the Black Mass and describes Canon Docre's Satanic practices, including the use of a consecrated host in a binding.
- [xviii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xviii.md): Durtal prepares to witness a contemporary Black Mass, and the chapter details Gilles de Rais's horrific crimes and Satanic practices.

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