# XIX explained — Là-Bas

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

## What happens

Durtal accompanies Mme. Chantelouve to a Black Mass in a secluded chapel, where Canon Docre leads a sacrilegious ceremony invoking Satan and desecrating the Eucharist. Repulsed by the experience and his companion's involvement, Durtal breaks off their relationship afterward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Satanism and Evil

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.

### Religion and Blasphemy

The ceremony inverts Catholic liturgy, using sacred elements to mock and defy Christian beliefs, highlighting Durtal's horror at the sacrilege.

### Obsession and Desire

Durtal's revulsion and his decision to break off with Mme. Chantelouve underscore his conflicted desires and the toxic nature of their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Durtal

Attends the Black Mass reluctantly, observes the ritual with disgust, and resolves to end his affair with Mme. Chantelouve.

### Mme Chantelouve

Leads Durtal to the chapel, participates in the ceremony, and is rebuffed when she seeks to continue their relationship afterward.

### Canon Docre

Presides over the Black Mass, delivering a blasphemous invocation to Satan and desecrating the host.

## Key lines

> In a fiacre they went up the rue de Vaugirard. Mme. Chantelouve was as in a shell and spoke not a word.

They rode in a hired cab along rue de Vaugirard, with Mme. Chantelouve silent and withdrawn.

_Sets the tense, silent atmosphere before the Black Mass._

> Master of Slanders, Dispenser of the benefits of crime, Administrator of sumptuous sins and great vices, Satan, thee we adore, reasonable God, just God!

Canon Docre addresses Satan as the lord of slander and crime, praising him as a just and rational deity.

_Key excerpt from the blasphemous invocation during the Black Mass._

> No,” he answered. “We have nothing in common. You wish everything and I wish nothing. Better break.

Durtal refuses Mme. Chantelouve's advances, stating they want different things and should end their relationship.

_Durtal's decisive break after the traumatic experience._

## Links

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