Là-Bas · Chapter
VI explained
Durtal wakes late, lazily stays in bed, and converses with his cat before forcing himself to rise and work on Gilles de Rais.
What happens
Durtal wakes late, lazily stays in bed, and converses with his cat before forcing himself to rise and work on Gilles de Rais. He reflects on alchemy, the philosopher's stone, and historical alchemists like Nicolas Flamel, Van Helmont, Helvetius, and Alexander Sethon, considering the continued practice of alchemy in his own time.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Desire
Durtal's obsessive focus on Gilles de Rais and alchemy, and his reluctance to leave bed, reflect personal desires and fixations.
History and Truth
The chapter examines historical alchemists and the veracity of their claims, blending historical fact with Durtal's reflections.
Religion and Blasphemy
Gilles de Rais's alchemical pursuits are tied to demonic pacts and the reality of the Devil, touching on blasphemous themes.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Wakes late, talks to his cat, and reluctantly gets up to work on Gilles de Rais.
- Gilles de Rais
Subject of Durtal's research; his quest for the philosopher's stone and dealings with Prelati are discussed.
- Francesco Prelati
Mentioned as Gilles de Rais's associate in alchemical experiments.
- Des Hermies
Referenced as a source of information about demon-worshipping societies and alchemical furnaces.
- Nicolas Flamel
Cited as an alchemist who supposedly succeeded in the 'great work.'
- Satan
Mentioned in the context of Gilles de Rais's belief in the Devil and alchemical pacts.
Key passages
“A swarm of lady acrobats hanging head downward from trapezes and praying with joined feet!”
Durtal imagines a bizarre vision of female acrobats performing upside-down prayers.
Reflects Durtal's vivid and surreal imagination upon waking.
“You are the drain pipe of my soul, you inattentive and indulgent confessor.”
Durtal tells his cat that it serves as a nonjudgmental confidant for his thoughts.
Highlights Durtal's isolation and his reliance on his cat for emotional release.
“In spite of certain affirmations, it is hardly probable. Nobody need manufacture artificially a metal whose origins are so unaccountable that a deposit is likely to be found anywhere.”
Durtal doubts that modern alchemists have rediscovered the secret of transmutation, given the natural abundance of metals.
Shows Durtal's skeptical yet fascinated attitude toward contemporary alchemy.