Là-Bas · Chapter
XX explained
Durtal and Des Hermies discuss the Black Mass and Canon Docre's inferiority to Gilles de Rais.
What happens
Durtal and Des Hermies discuss the Black Mass and Canon Docre's inferiority to Gilles de Rais. They visit Carhaix's tower for dinner with Gévingey, who recounts his cure by Dr. Johannès and expounds the Johannite doctrine of the three kingdoms: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The conversation explores the coming of the Paraclete, the transformation of society, and the role of the papacy, with Durtal expressing skepticism about human perfectibility.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Blasphemy
Discussion of Black Mass, satanic rituals, and heretical doctrines.
Satanism and Evil
Comparison of Canon Docre's Black Mass to Gilles de Rais's atrocities.
Obsession and Desire
Durtal's fascination with the occult and human corruption.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Hosts dinner at Carhaix's tower, discusses Black Mass and human corruption.
- Des Hermies
Critiques Canon Docre's Black Mass, joins dinner, debates theology.
- Carhaix
Bell-ringer, hosts dinner, defends orthodox doctrine of the Paraclete.
- Gévingey
Astrologer, recounts cure by Dr. Johannès, expounds Johannite doctrine.
- Mme Chantelouve
Mentioned indirectly as Durtal suspects her involvement.
- Canon Docre
Subject of criticism for his Black Mass and inferiority to Gilles de Rais.
- Dr. Johannès
Praised by Gévingey as a prophet and expert in occult sciences.
- Gilles de Rais
Referenced as a standard of satanic excess compared to Docre.
Key passages
“He doesn't lead a humdrum life, that canon! ... It's a veritable seraglio of hystero-epileptics and erotomaniacs that he has formed for himself.”
Des Hermies remarks that Canon Docre's life is far from ordinary, as he has surrounded himself with a harem of hysterical and sexually obsessed women.
Des Hermies criticizes Docre's debauchery.
“I am thankful, myself, ... that I am not mixed up in any of this frightful business, and that I can pray and live in peace.”
Mme Carhaix expresses gratitude for being uninvolved in the dark occult matters discussed.
Mme Carhaix's piety contrasts with the satanic themes.
“If we admit, ... that the infamousness of the times is transitory, it is self-evident that only the intervention of a God can wash it away; for neither socialism nor any other chimera ... will modify human nature.”
Des Hermies argues that only divine intervention can cleanse society's corruption, not human ideologies.
Des Hermies dismisses socialism as ineffective.