Là-Bas · Chapter
XV explained
Durtal reflects on the parallels between medieval Satanism and modern science, obsesses over Canon Docre, and endures a strained visit from Madame Chantelouve, during which he fabricates a mistress and child to discourage her, but she remai
What happens
Durtal reflects on the parallels between medieval Satanism and modern science, obsesses over Canon Docre, and endures a strained visit from Madame Chantelouve, during which he fabricates a mistress and child to discourage her, but she remains persistent. He extracts information from her about Docre's past and her own involvement with incubacy.
Themes in this chapter
Satanism and Evil
Durtal obsesses over Canon Docre's alleged Satanic practices, including the black mass and sacrilegious use of hosts, and discusses the reality of demonic evocation.
Obsession and Desire
Durtal's obsession with understanding Docre drives his interaction with Madame Chantelouve, while his desire for her has faded, leading to a manipulative and weary encounter.
Religion and Blasphemy
The chapter contrasts Christian symbolism (the fish as Christ) with sacrilegious acts like feeding hosts to fish, and explores the blasphemy of a priest celebrating the black mass.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Durtal ponders the reality of Satanic magic versus modern science, awaits Madame Chantelouve's visit with reluctance, and fabricates a story about a mistress and child to push her away.
- Mme Chantelouve
Madame Chantelouve visits Durtal, is initially hurt by his cold letter, but stays despite his deception; she reveals her past connection to Canon Docre and admits to having learned incubacy from him.
- Canon Docre
Canon Docre is discussed as a former confessor of Madame Chantelouve, accused of Satanism and celebrating the black mass; Durtal seeks to meet him.
- Des Hermies
Des Hermies is mentioned as having remarked on the motives of Satanists, and as someone who knows of Docre only by hearsay.
- Gévingey
Gévingey is referenced as the astrologer who met Docre at Madame Chantelouve's house and who provided information about him.
- Hyacinthe Chantelouve
Hyacinthe is the first name of Madame Chantelouve; Durtal recalls her earlier description of her first husband's suicide and her lack of remorse.
Key passages
“How real is the pretended power which the deicide chemists are alleged to wield? What faith can we put in the tales of evoked larvae killing a designated person to order with corrosive oil and blood virus? None, unless one is extremely credulous, and even a bit mad.”
Durtal questions the authenticity of Satanic magic, comparing it to modern scientific phenomena like microbes and hypnotism.
Durtal's internal debate on the credibility of medieval sorcery versus contemporary science.
“Ah, if there were some way of getting acquainted with Canon Docre, of insinuating oneself into his confidence, perhaps one would attain clear insight into these questions.”
Durtal wishes he could meet Canon Docre to learn the truth about Satanism.
Durtal's desire to directly investigate Docre's practices.
“I have had nothing pleasant from Hyacinthe except that kiss we exchanged when her husband was only a few feet away.”
Durtal recalls that the only enjoyable moment with Hyacinthe was a risky kiss near her husband.
Durtal's reflection on the thrill of danger in his past encounter.
“Why, certainly I got it from him. I hope you are satisfied.”
Madame Chantelouve admits that she learned the art of incubacy from Canon Docre.
Madame Chantelouve's confession about her Satanic education.
