# II explained — Là-Bas

> Chapter companion for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

## What happens

Durtal reflects on his withdrawal from literary society, his friendship with Des Hermies, and his immersion in the study of Gilles de Rais as an escape from contemporary naturalism. Des Hermies diagnoses Durtal's spiritual disarray and recovery through medieval history. The chapter also introduces the Chantelouve salon and Des Hermies's enigmatic character.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and the Artist

Durtal's rejection of naturalism and his search for a more spiritual, less vulgar art form.

### History and Truth

Durtal's skepticism about historical accuracy, viewing history as a subjective and deceptive construct.

### Decadence and Fin de Siècle

The portrayal of literary society as decadent, with Durtal's escape into the medieval past as a reaction.

## Character check-ins

### Durtal

Describes his disillusionment with literary circles and his retreat into the study of Gilles de Rais.

### Des Hermies

Portrayed as a fastidious, erudite friend who diagnoses Durtal's spiritual state and introduces him to Carhaix.

### Mme Chantelouve

Hosts a salon with her husband; described as possessing a bizarre charm and a silent, distant demeanor.

### Hyacinthe Chantelouve

Mentioned as the rotund, jovial host of the salon, with an ambiguous look behind his spectacles.

### Gilles de Rais

The historical figure with whom Durtal now lives mentally, cloistered in the château de Tiffauges.

### Carhaix

Mentioned by Des Hermies as a unique Catholic with intelligence and without sanctimoniousness, whom Durtal should meet.

## Key lines

> Weary of the advances and the facile intimacies of artists, Durtal had been attracted by this man’s fastidious reserve.

Durtal, tired of shallow friendships with artists, was drawn to Des Hermies's reserved and refined manner.

_Describes the basis of Durtal's friendship with Des Hermies._

> You execrate the age and they worship it. There is the whole matter.

Des Hermies tells Durtal that the fundamental difference between him and other realists is that he despises the modern age while they adore it.

_Des Hermies's diagnosis of Durtal's artistic alienation._

> The day on which Durtal had plunged into the frightful and delightful latter medieval age had been the dawn of a new existence.

Durtal's immersion in the late medieval period marked a rebirth for him, offering an escape from contemporary life.

_Durtal's turn to history as a refuge._

> Old Clio ought to be represented with a sphinx’s head, mutton-chop whiskers, and one of those padded bonnets which babies wore to keep them from bashing their little brains out when they took a tumble.

Durtal thinks the muse of history should be depicted as absurd and infantile, reflecting his view that history is a deceptive and childish pursuit.

_Durtal's cynical view of historical accuracy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/chapters