Là-Bas · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Durtal, Des Hermies, Carhaix, and Gévingey engage in a deep discussion about demonology, succubi and incubi, the limits of science versus faith, and the terrifying practices of the renegade priest Canon Docre, whom Durtal compares to Gilles
What happens
Durtal, Des Hermies, Carhaix, and Gévingey engage in a deep discussion about demonology, succubi and incubi, the limits of science versus faith, and the terrifying practices of the renegade priest Canon Docre, whom Durtal compares to Gilles de Rais.
Themes in this chapter
Satanism and Evil
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.
Religion and Blasphemy
Canon Docre's desecration of the Eucharist and tattooing of Christ on his heels exemplify extreme blasphemy, while Carhaix defends the Church's traditional teachings on demonic spirits.
Naturalism vs. Spirituality
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.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Participates in the debate, compares Canon Docre to Gilles de Rais, and reflects on the literary appeal of succubacy over positivism.
- Des Hermies
Engages in the discussion, questions Gévingey about the mechanics of incubi, and comments on hypnotism and Canon Docre's abilities.
- Carhaix
Defends the Church's stance on succubi and incubi, cites saints and Pope Innocent VIII, and expresses outrage at Canon Docre's sacrilege.
- Gévingey
Provides detailed accounts of modern incubacy and succubacy, shares a personal encounter with a succubus, and names Canon Docre as a master Satanist.
- Canon Docre
Described as a renegade priest who evokes the Devil, consecrates hosts to feed white mice, and has Christ tattooed on his heels to trample on the Saviour.
- Dr. Johannès
Mentioned as a powerful exorcist who saved nuns from incubi and liberated Gévingey from a spell.
Key passages
“Mystery is everywhere and reason cannot see its way.”
Durtal reflects that the world is full of mysteries that rational thought cannot penetrate.
Captures the chapter's skepticism toward positivism and science's inability to explain demonic possession.
“The modern Gilles de Rais!”
Durtal exclaims that Canon Docre is a contemporary version of the historical serial killer and Satanist Gilles de Rais.
Directly links the chapter's discussion of Docre to the historical figure central to Durtal's research.
“He had the image of Christ tattooed on his heels so that he could always step on the Saviour!”
Canon Docre's blasphemy reaches its peak by having Christ's image tattooed on his feet to trample on it constantly.
Illustrates the extreme sacrilege attributed to Docre, reinforcing the theme of blasphemy.