# XXI explained — Là-Bas > Chapter companion for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans. ## What happens Durtal reflects on the end of his affair with Mme. Chantelouve, who has finally stopped writing after a series of accusatory and reproachful letters. He dismisses her emotional appeals with cynical detachment, turning his attention back to his work on Gilles de Rais. His concierge Rateau interrupts with a comical tale of his elderly wife leaving him, and Durtal escapes to Des Hermies's home. There, the two engage in a lengthy discussion about Satanism, black and white magic, spiritism, and the supernatural, touching on the practices of Dr. Johannès, the astrologer Gévingey, and the dangers of dabbling in diabolism. ## Themes in this chapter ### Satanism and Evil Durtal and Des Hermies debate the reality of Satanism, black magic, and the dangers of evoking evil spirits, with Des Hermies recounting cases of diabolical possession and the fatal consequences of occult experiments. ### Religion and Blasphemy The conversation touches on the Church's condemnation of both black and white magic, and the tension between belief in the supernatural and the rejection of materialist freethinking. ### Obsession and Desire Durtal's cynical dismissal of Mme. Chantelouve's emotional letters and his preference for the intellectual obsession with Gilles de Rais highlight the theme of misplaced or redirected desire. ## Character check-ins ### Durtal Reflects on the end of his affair with Mme. Chantelouve, dismisses her letters, and turns back to his work on Gilles de Rais. Engages in a philosophical discussion with Des Hermies about Satanism and the supernatural. ### Mme Chantelouve Sends Durtal a final letter accepting the end of their affair, accusing him of ingratitude and lamenting his lack of emotional depth. ### Des Hermies Visits Durtal and discusses Satanism, black magic, and the occult, sharing anecdotes about Dr. Johannès and the dangers of diabolism. ### Père Rateau The concierge interrupts Durtal with the news that his elderly wife has left him, causing him to worry about losing his job. ### Gilles de Rais Mentioned by Durtal as a more interesting subject than Mme. Chantelouve, as his book on de Rais nears completion. ### Dr. Johannès Referenced in Des Hermies's discussion as a priest who uses precious stones to diagnose illnesses caused by sorcery, and who cures patients given up by physicians. ## Key lines > Her heart! he laughed, then he continued to read: I understand that it is not your earthly mission to satisfy my heart but you might at least have conceded me a frank comradeship which would have permitted me to leave my sex at home and to come and spend an evening with you now and then. Durtal scoffs at Mme. Chantelouve's claim that she wanted a platonic friendship, reading her letter with derision. _Shows Durtal's emotional detachment and his view of the affair as a mere transaction._ > Truly, Gilles de Rais is a great deal more interesting than Mme. Chantelouve. Unfortunately, my relations with him are also drawing to a close. Only a few more pages and the book is done. Durtal prefers his intellectual engagement with the historical figure Gilles de Rais over his real-life romantic entanglement. _Highlights Durtal's obsession with his work and his preference for the past over the present._ > Faith is the breakwater of the soul, affording the only haven in which dismasted man can glide along in peace. Des Hermies describes faith as a protective barrier that gives peace to a troubled soul. _Reflects the theme of spiritual longing and the difficulty of belief in a modern, skeptical world._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/chapters