# Obsession and Desire in Là-Bas

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

Durtal's obsessive fascination with both the historical Gilles de Rais and the mysterious woman (later revealed as Madame Chantelouve) drives the narrative, exploring how intellectual and carnal desires can consume and destabilize a person.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vi): Durtal's obsessive focus on Gilles de Rais and alchemy, and his reluctance to leave bed, reflect personal desires and fixations.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vii): Durtal is consumed by the mystery of his correspondent, oscillating between disappointment and relief, and analyzing her letters obsessively.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/viii): Durtal's obsession with the unknown woman shifts to desire for Madame Chantelouve, blending fantasy and reality as he prepares for their affair.
- [The Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/x): Durtal's obsessive preparation for the visit and his intense frustration after the encounter highlight his consuming desire for Madame Chantelouve.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xi): Durtal's shifting feelings toward Madame Chantelouve and Gilles de Rais's insatiable lust for murder both exemplify obsessive desire that consumes its subject.
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xii): Durtal's intense longing for Madame Chantelouve and her calculated responses drive the chapter's emotional undercurrent.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xiii): Durtal's obsessive longing for Madame Chantelouve collapses into revulsion and disappointment after the physical act, illustrating the theme's destructive cycle.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xv): Durtal's obsession with understanding Docre drives his interaction with Madame Chantelouve, while his desire for her has faded, leading to a manipulative and weary encounter.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvi): Durtal's obsessive analysis of Hyacinthe's character and his conflicted desires regarding her.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvii): Durtal's fascination with Madame Chantelouve's past and her lingering attachment to Docre reflect themes of obsession and desire.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xix): Durtal's revulsion and his decision to break off with Mme. Chantelouve underscore his conflicted desires and the toxic nature of their relationship.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xx): Durtal's fascination with the occult and human corruption.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxi): Durtal's cynical dismissal of Mme. Chantelouve's emotional letters and his preference for the intellectual obsession with Gilles de Rais highlight the theme of misplaced or redirected desire.

## Links

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