Down There: Analysis of Major Characters
"Down There" is a novel that delves into the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Durtal, a writer who embodies the author's own struggles with faith, skepticism, and despair. Throughout the narrative, Durtal becomes engrossed in the history of Gilles de Rais, a notorious figure known for his criminal activities and alleged Satanism. This investigation leads him to explore the darker aspects of church history and ultimately to a Black Mass, facilitated by his mistress, Hyacinthe Chantelouve. Their relationship takes a tumultuous turn when she betrays him, prompting Durtal to sever ties and reflect on his experiences.
Key characters include Durtal, who serves as the lens through which the story unfolds, and Gilles de Rais, whose tragic descent from religious fervor to moral degradation is central to the plot. Supporting characters such as Des Hermies, a friend who provides a listening ear, and Carhaix, a bell ringer who engages in discussions about church history, contribute to the exploration of themes surrounding faith and perversion. Additionally, Canon Docre, a renegade priest, represents the complexities of religious belief and its challenges. Overall, "Down There" invites readers to contemplate the intersection of spirituality, history, and personal belief through its richly drawn characters and their interactions.
Down There: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joris-Karl Huysmans
First published: Là-bas, 1891 (English translation, 1924)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Late nineteenth century
Durtal (dewr-TAHL), a writer. Speaking through Durtal, Huysmans himself is the hero of Down There, the first in a series of four novels tracing the author's spiritual journey through skepticism and despair to the final goal of faith. While engaged in compiling the history of Gilles de Rais, Durtal becomes interested in church history and especially in Satanism. He is taken to witness a Black Mass by his mistress, Hyacinthe Chantelouve, who afterward tricks him into committing sacrilege. In disgust, he breaks off their relationship, thus ending this novel, the first of the four.
Gilles de Rais (zheel deh ray), marshal of France murderer, sadist, and Satanist. Durtal's readings from his history of the infamous marshal, youthful companion-in-arms to Jeanne d'Arc, make up large sections of Down There. Research into the details of his subject's progress from early religious exaltation, through unspeakable perversion, arrest, trial, and repentance, leads Durtal into his interest in Satanism and from there to the Black Mass and sacrilege.
Hyacinthe Chantelouve (yah-SAHNT shahnt-LEWV), Durtal's mistress, who takes him to a Black Mass and afterward betrays him into committing sacrilege.
Des Hermies (day zehr-MEE), Durtal's friend, whose function in the novel is to listen to the writer talk.
Carhaix (kah-RAY), the bell ringer of Saint-Suspice, with whom Durtal discusses church history and Satanism.
Canon Docre (kah-NOHN dohkr), a renegade priest and a Satanist.
Chantelouve, a Catholic historian and the husband of Hyacinthe Chantelouve.