The Revolt of the Angels · Chapter
VIII explained
Maurice, feeling a void in his heart despite his various romantic encounters, becomes infatuated with Gilberte des Aubels at his mother's gathering.
What happens
Maurice, feeling a void in his heart despite his various romantic encounters, becomes infatuated with Gilberte des Aubels at his mother's gathering. After a failed first attempt to arrange a secret meeting, he succeeds during a library tour, where they share a kiss. Their tryst is interrupted by the librarian Sariette, who frantically chases a flying book—a Flavius Josephus—that he claims escaped by itself, collapsing in distress.
Themes in this chapter
Human Nature and Folly
Maurice's pursuit of love without deeper meaning, Sariette's irrational panic over a flying book, and the trivial social chatter highlight human folly.
Class and Hierarchy
The social dynamics of the drawing-room, Maurice's entitlement as the son of the house, and the servant's role underscore class distinctions.
Characters to notice
- Maurice d'Esparvieu
Feels a void in his heart; pursues Gilberte des Aubels; arranges a secret meeting and kisses her in the library.
- Gilberte des Aubels
Attends Madame d'Esparvieu's gathering; agrees to a library tour with Maurice; kisses him and later witnesses Sariette's distress.
- Monsieur Julien Sariette
The librarian, now pale and terrified; chases a flying Flavius Josephus book, collapses with a head wound.
- Madame de la Verdelière
Hosts the gathering; directs Maurice to show Gilberte the library.
- General Milpertuis
Describes autumn maneuvers to the ladies, comparing French and German military methods.
- Monsieur le Truc de Ruffec
Engages General Milpertuis about founding the patriotic society 'Swordsmen All.'
Key passages
“Nothing ever astonished Maurice. He never sought to know the causes of things and dwelt tranquilly in the world of appearances.”
Maurice was uncurious and accepted things at face value, never questioning deeper reasons.
Establishes Maurice's superficial and passive nature.
“He was in love with no woman, but, as St. Augustine said, he loved to love.”
Maurice was not attached to any particular woman but enjoyed the feeling of being in love.
Highlights his romantic restlessness and emotional emptiness.
“Stop it, stop it; I saw it fly away! It escaped from the shelf by itself. It crossed the room … there it is—there! It's going downstairs. Stop it! It has gone out of the door on the ground floor!”
Sariette shouts in panic that a book flew off the shelf and moved through the house on its own.
Illustrates the supernatural event and Sariette's mental breakdown.