Là-Bas · Chapter
XVII explained
Durtal visits the ailing Carhaix in his tower room, where the bell-ringer laments the decline of bell-ringing traditions.
What happens
Durtal visits the ailing Carhaix in his tower room, where the bell-ringer laments the decline of bell-ringing traditions. Later, Durtal converses with Madame Chantelouve about Satanism, the Black Mass, and Canon Docre, revealing her past involvement with Docre and her knowledge of diabolic practices.
Themes in this chapter
Satanism and Evil
Madame Chantelouve recounts her attendance at the Black Mass and describes Canon Docre's Satanic practices, including the use of a consecrated host in a binding.
Religion and Blasphemy
The discussion of the Black Mass, contaminated Eucharists, and the profanation of sacred objects highlights the theme of blasphemy.
Obsession and Desire
Durtal's fascination with Madame Chantelouve's past and her lingering attachment to Docre reflect themes of obsession and desire.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Visits Carhaix in his sickbed and later engages in a tense conversation with Madame Chantelouve about Satanism.
- Carhaix
Ill in bed, lamenting the poor ringing of his bells and sharing bell inscriptions with Durtal.
- Mme Chantelouve
Visits Durtal and discusses her past with Canon Docre, the Black Mass, and Satanic practices.
- Canon Docre
Mentioned as a master Satanist, former priest, and former lover of Madame Chantelouve.
- Des Hermies
Mentioned as Carhaix's doctor who brings him medicine and as a source of information about bewitchment.
- Dr. Johannès
Mentioned as an abbé at Lyons who cures spells.
- Gévingey
Mentioned as having sought medical aid from Dr. Johannès.
Key passages
“I call the living, I mourn the dead, I break the thunder.”
The bell's motto proclaims its role in summoning the living, mourning the dead, and breaking storms.
Carhaix reads this inscription from the great bell of Schaffhausen.
“My name is Roland. When I toll, there is a fire; when I peal, there is a tempest in Flanders.”
The bell Roland announces fires when it tolls and storms in Flanders when it peals.
Carhaix cites this inscription from an old bell in Ghent.
“Yes, I owe him the little I am able to pass on to you. He took a fancy to me and even wanted to make me his pupil. I refused, and am glad now I did, for I am much more wary than I was then of being constantly in a state of mortal sin.”
Madame Chantelouve admits that Docre taught her about Satanism but she declined to become his pupil to avoid mortal sin.
She explains her knowledge of diabolic practices to Durtal.