# The Wounded Angel and the Skeptical World explained — The Revolt of the Angels

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

## What happens

Maurice, recovering from a duel, is visited by Arcade, Gilberte, and family members. Arcade reveals his rebellion against Ialdabaoth, while Gaétan and Sariette react with skepticism. Maurice reconciles with Arcade and Gilberte, and Arcade defends angelic love with historical references.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Revolution

Arcade's revolt against Ialdabaoth and the planned overthrow of the demiurge.

### Religion and Blind Faith

Skepticism from Gaétan and Sariette toward Arcade's angelic nature and divine rebellion.

### Human Nature and Folly

Maurice's acceptance of betrayal and the absurdity of the duel's aftermath.

## Character check-ins

### Maurice d'Esparvieu

Wounded from a duel, reconciled with Arcade and Gilberte, expresses contentment.

### Arcade

Reveals his atheism and rebellion, defends angelic love, and reconciles with Maurice.

### Gilberte des Aubels

Visits Maurice, denies betrayal, then admits it to please him.

### Gaétan d'Esparvieu

Skeptical of Arcade's claims, discusses philosophy and pragmatism.

### Monsieur Julien Sariette

Visits Maurice, saddened by his delirium, and is told of Arcade's thefts.

### Madame de la Verdelière

Offers to nurse Maurice but is turned away by Gilberte's instigation.

## Key lines

> There’s nothing like having sound references. In order to assure yourself that I am not deceiving you, Maurice, on this subject of the amorous embraces of angels and women, look up Justin, Apologies , I and II ; Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities , Book I , Chapter III ; Athenagoras, Concerning the Resurrection ; Lactantius, Book II , Chapter XV ; Tertullian, On the Veil of the Virgins ; Marcus of Ephesus in Psellus ; Eusebius, Praeparatio Evangelica , Book V , Chapter IV ; Saint Ambrose, in his book on Noah and the Ark , Chapter V ; Saint Augustine, in his City of God , Book XV , Chapter XXIII ; Father Meldonat, the Jesuit, Treatise on Demons , page 248; Pierre Lebyer the King’s Counsellor⁠—

Arcade provides a lengthy list of patristic and classical sources to support the idea that angels have sexual relations with women.

_Arcade's pedantic defense of angelic love, citing early Church fathers and historians._

> I am perfectly content, that things should have happened as they have.

Maurice accepts the events, including the betrayal, as part of a greater happiness.

_Maurice's resigned and almost joyful acceptance of his situation._

## Links

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