# Naturalism vs. Spirituality in Là-Bas

> Theme guide for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/i): 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.
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ix): 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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/themes/naturalism_vs_spirituality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/themes