The Revolt of the Angels · Chapter
XXVII explained
Arcade and Zita discuss the nature of evil and the limits of their rebellion, while Baron Everdingen urges them to arm.
What happens
Arcade and Zita discuss the nature of evil and the limits of their rebellion, while Baron Everdingen urges them to arm. Meanwhile, the innkeeper Barattan reports the rebel angels to the police, who suspect a plot against 'Alaballotte.' Maurice, jealous of Arcade's intimacy with Bouchotte, argues about morality and religion. Eventually, Maurice helps Arcade evade surveillance by moving him to a safe flat in the Rue de Rome.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion and Revolution
The rebel angels plan an invasion of Heaven, with discussions of arming and strategy, while police report them as conspirators.
Human Nature and Folly
Maurice's jealousy and moral arguments, Arcade's skepticism about natural moral law, and the portrayal of war as a business reflect human folly.
Class and Hierarchy
Baron Everdingen's capitalist influence over the rebellion and the police's focus on lower-class suspects highlight class dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Arcade
Discusses the limits of rebellion with Zita, argues with Maurice about morality, and is moved to a safe flat by Maurice.
- Zita
Debates with Arcade about action and the nature of evil, and discusses war as a business.
- Maurice d'Esparvieu
Jealous of Arcade's relationship with Bouchotte, argues about religion and morality, and helps Arcade evade police surveillance.
- Baron Max Everdingen
Urges the rebel angels to arm and offers to supply electrophores, then departs with an actress.
- Prince Istar
Attends Bouchotte's gatherings with bombs and champagne, provided by Baron Everdingen.
- Théophile Belais
Plays and sings at Bouchotte's gatherings, absorbed in his music.
- Gilberte des Aubels
Mentioned as still annoyed with Arcade for his forward behavior; her scent is remembered by Arcade.
- Madame de la Verdelière
Referred to as Bouchotte; she hosts gatherings and has a relationship with Arcade.
Key passages
““a war is a matter of business.””
War is fundamentally a commercial enterprise.
Zita's pragmatic view on the nature of conflict.
““Nature has no principles. She furnishes us with no reason to believe that human life is to be respected. Nature, in her indifference, makes no distinction between good and evil.””
Nature lacks moral principles and does not differentiate between good and evil.
Arcade argues that natural law does not provide a basis for morality.
““Moral law, which is supposed to be revealed to us, is drawn in reality from the grossest empiricism. Custom alone regulates morals.””
Moral law is derived from empirical experience and custom, not divine revelation.
Arcade critiques the origin of moral codes.