The Revolt of the Angels · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
Prince Istar visits Bouchotte to hide bombs in Théophile's cupboard, but his forceful advances are violently rejected.
What happens
Prince Istar visits Bouchotte to hide bombs in Théophile's cupboard, but his forceful advances are violently rejected. After he leaves, Maurice d'Esparvieu arrives on behalf of Madame de la Verdelière to hire Bouchotte for a charity event. Maurice and Bouchotte grow intimate, and she eventually yields to him. Théophile returns, and Bouchotte thanks Maurice for the offer.
Themes in this chapter
Human Nature and Folly
Bouchotte's fierce resistance to force yet willing surrender to love, and Maurice's calculated seduction, illustrate complex human desires and contradictions.
Class and Hierarchy
The contrast between the wealthy d'Esparvieu family and the struggling artiste Bouchotte, and the charity event where the rich offer modest fees to the poor, highlights class dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Prince Istar
Visits Bouchotte to hide bombs, attempts to force himself on her, is fiercely resisted, and leaves after washing his wounds.
- Théophile Belais
Returns home after a discouraging day to find Bouchotte and Maurice; he is grateful for the offer from Madame de la Verdelière.
- Maurice d'Esparvieu
Visits Bouchotte as a messenger for Madame de la Verdelière and becomes intimate with her.
- Madame de la Verdelière
Sends Maurice to Bouchotte with an offer to perform at a charity fête for the Preservation of Country Churches.
- Arcade
Maurice is still seeking his guardian angel, but Arcade does not appear in this chapter.
Key passages
“as soft and melting as a pig’s foot à la Ste. Menebould”
as soft and tender as a cooked pig's foot from Sainte-Menehould.
Bouchotte uses this rustic simile to describe her feeling of melting in Maurice's arms after their intimacy.