# III explained — Là-Bas

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

## What happens

Durtal endures the chaotic cleaning habits of his concierge, Père Rateau, and later discusses with Des Hermies the virtues of dust and the symbolism of bells. They visit Carhaix, the bell-ringer, who laments the decline of bell-ringing as a sacred art and shows them the tower's broken statues and an old bell skull. Durtal reflects on the comfort of bells and Carhaix's devotion to his craft.

## Themes in this chapter

### Decadence and Fin de Siècle

Carhaix's lament for the lost art of bell-ringing and the degradation of sacred music reflects the fin de siècle sense of decline and cultural decay.

### Religion and Blasphemy

The discussion of bells as sacred music and the contrast with profane church concerts highlights the tension between religious tradition and modern irreverence.

## Character check-ins

### Durtal

Frustrated by his concierge's cleaning, then engages in conversation about bells and visits Carhaix's tower.

### Des Hermies

Visits Durtal and discusses dust and bells, then accompanies him to see Carhaix.

### Carhaix

Bell-ringer who shows Durtal and Des Hermies the tower, laments the decline of bell-ringing, and displays his passion for bells.

### Père Rateau

Durtal's concierge, who disrupts his routine with chaotic cleaning.

## Key lines

> Durtal was in a situation familiar to all bachelors who have the concierge do their cleaning.

Durtal experiences the common bachelor's plight of relying on a concierge for housekeeping.

_Introduces the theme of domestic inconvenience._

> The ring of the bells is the real sacred music.

Carhaix believes that bell-ringing is the truest form of sacred music.

_Central to Carhaix's character and the chapter's theme._

> Bells have had their day!—Bell ringing is a lost art.

Carhaix declares that bell-ringing is a dying tradition.

_Emphasizes the decadence and loss of traditional arts._

## Links

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