# Chapter XXIII explained — The Revolt of the Angels

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolt_of_the_angels_se/chapters/xxiii
- 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