Là-Bas · Theme
Satanism and Evil
How Là-Bas develops Satanism and Evil.
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.
Where it surfaces
- Chapter IV
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
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
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.
- Chapter IX
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.
- Chapter XI
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
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
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
Durtal prepares to witness a contemporary Black Mass, and the chapter details Gilles de Rais's horrific crimes and Satanic practices.
- XIX
The chapter centers on a Black Mass where Canon Docre leads a ritual worship of Satan, including a blasphemous prayer and desecration of the Eucharist.
- XX
Comparison of Canon Docre's Black Mass to Gilles de Rais's atrocities.
- XXI
Durtal and Des Hermies debate the reality of Satanism, black magic, and the dangers of evoking evil spirits, with Des Hermies recounting cases of diabolical possession and the fatal consequences of occult experiments.