# XII explained — The Revolt of the Angels

> Chapter companion for The Revolt of the Angels by Anatole France.

## What happens

Arcade meets with Théophile Belais, a fallen angel who left Heaven for love of a music-hall singer named Bouchotte. Théophile, still faithful to God in his heart, avoids politics and revolution. Arcade reveals his plan to lead a new revolt against Ialdabaoth and seeks allies, but Théophile refuses to join. Arcade later visits a restaurant frequented by revolutionaries, searching for other rebel angels.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Revolution

Arcade plans a new revolt against Ialdabaoth, seeking allies among fallen angels.

### Human Nature and Folly

Théophile's fall due to profane love and his continued devotion to God despite his exile illustrate the folly of desire and misplaced loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Arcade

Seeks to organize a new revolt against Ialdabaoth; meets with Théophile and later searches for rebel angels in a restaurant.

### Théophile Belais

A fallen angel who left Heaven for love of Bouchotte; remains faithful to God, avoids politics, and refuses to join Arcade's revolt.

### Prince Istar

Mentioned as a known rebel angel with whom Arcade has exchanged letters and who offered him lodging.

### Bouchotte

The music-hall singer with whom Théophile fell in love; she feeds and clothes him but despises his poverty.

## Key lines

> Love, profane love has alone separated me from God. I quitted heaven to follow a daughter of men. She was beautiful and sang in music-halls.

Théophile explains that his fall from Heaven was caused by his love for a mortal woman, a singer he saw in a music hall.

_Théophile's confession to Arcade about his reason for leaving Heaven._

> I am not like you, a spirit in revolt, a freethinker, a revolutionary. I remain faithful, in the depths of my soul, to the Celestial Creator.

Théophile declares he is not a rebel like Arcade; he still worships God inwardly even though he no longer serves Him.

_Théophile's refusal to join Arcade's rebellion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolt_of_the_angels_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolt_of_the_angels_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolt_of_the_angels_se/chapters