# XXXIV explained — The Revolt of the Angels

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

## What happens

Maurice d'Esparvieu learns that Inspector Grolle's death was due to a natural cause, relieving him of murder charges. However, he is arrested along with Bouchotte for involvement with the rebel angels. Judge Salneuve investigates but is pressured by the Minister of Justice to release them. Meanwhile, Monsieur Sariette goes mad and destroys the d'Esparvieu library by throwing books. The rebel angels, including Arcade, Zita, Istar, and Nectaire, prepare to depart Earth for a second rebellion in Heaven, leaving Maurice in sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Revolution

The rebel angels prepare for a second rebellion against Ialdabaoth, with Arcade, Zita, Istar, and Nectaire leading the charge.

### Class and Hierarchy

Maurice's concern with family reputation and social standing contrasts with the angels' disregard for earthly hierarchies.

### Knowledge and Enlightenment

Arcade's education in Heaven is contrasted with Maurice's traditional upbringing; the destruction of the library symbolizes the clash of knowledge.

## Character check-ins

### Maurice d'Esparvieu

Experiences relief and then despair; arrested and later released; weeps as Arcade departs.

### Arcade

Defends his education in Heaven; prepares to leave Earth for the rebellion, embracing Maurice before departure.

### Monsieur Julien Sariette

Loses his reason and violently throws books from the library, attacking the household.

### Zita

Sought by police; prepares with the other angels for the celestial revolt.

### Prince Istar

Arrested but escapes by overpowering detectives and stealing a car.

### René d'Esparvieu

Fetches Maurice from prison; attempts to reason with the mad Sariette.

### Nectaire

Mentioned as joining the angels to seek the great archangel for victory.

### Judge Salneuve

Investigates the crime but is rebuked and forced to release Maurice by the Minister of Justice.

## Key lines

> You see, Arcade, you see I am not an assassin. I am innocent. I could never have imagined how extremely agreeable it is to be innocent.

Maurice exclaims with relief that he is not a murderer and finds innocence unexpectedly pleasant.

_Maurice's reaction to learning Grolle's death was natural._

> I also have received an excellent education. Where was that? In Heaven.

Arcade claims his education came from Heaven, countering Maurice's criticism.

_Arcade's retort highlights his celestial origins._

> Monsieur Sariette, who had lost his reason as a consequence of the shocking events that had taken place in the Rue de Courcelles, had suddenly become violent.

Sariette went mad due to the traumatic events and became aggressive.

_Sariette's mental breakdown leads to the library's destruction._

> Arcade embraced him, and Maurice felt the angel's tears as they dropped upon his cheek.

Arcade hugs Maurice goodbye, and Maurice feels the angel's tears on his face.

_The emotional farewell between Maurice and Arcade._

## Links

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