# XVII explained — Là-Bas

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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