The Revolt of the Angels: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Revolt of the Angels" explores a unique narrative centered around the theme of rebellion against divine authority through its major characters. Arcade, the central figure, is an angel who aspires to lead a revolt against God, gathering a substantial following of rebel angels. Despite his efforts, the revolution is thwarted by Satan, who, despite being approached for leadership, declines to engage in warfare, advocating instead for a path of compassion and love to achieve true change. Supporting characters include Monsieur Julien Sariette, a meticulous librarian whose frustration with Arcade's disregard for knowledge culminates in a breakdown; Maurice d'Esparvieu, a wealthy young man whose casual attitude contrasts with Arcade’s fervor; and Madame Gilberte des Aubels, who plays a dual role as both Maurice’s mistress and a figure of intrigue for Arcade.
Other notable characters include Prince Istar, a chemist supporting the cause by producing explosives, and Théophile, an angel torn between earthly desires and divine allegiance. The narrative presents a diverse array of perspectives, including that of Sophar, a former angel turned banker who opts to profit from the rebellion without joining it, and Zita, a fierce female angel eager to join the fight. This complex interplay of characters invites readers to reflect on themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of rebellion.
The Revolt of the Angels: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anatole France
First published: La Révolte des anges, 1914 (English translation, 1914)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Early twentieth century
Arcade (ahr-KAHD), an angel who plans to lead a revolt against God (Ialdabaoth). He gathers together hundreds of thousands of rebel angels but is disappointed when Satan quashes the revolution.
Monsieur Julien Sariette (zhoo-LYAHN sahr-YEHT), the meticulous librarian in charge of the extensive collection that Arcade uses to educate himself for the revolution. Sariette is confounded and frustrated because Arcade scatters the books. When a volume of Lucretius, a very rare work, is lost, Sariette's mind snaps.
Maurice d'Esparvieu (moh-REES dehs-pahr-VYEW), a wealthy, lazy young man whose guardian angel is Arcade. After an attempt to dissuade Arcade from his plans, d'Esparvieu regards him with quiet amusement and shares his clothes and his mistress with the angel.
Madame Gilberte des Aubels (zheel-BEHR day-zohBEHL), Maurice's mistress, who also bestows her favors on Arcade.
Satan, a sympathetic prince who, petitioned by Arcade and his army of rebels to lead the revolution against God, refuses. The rebel forces accept his reasons for not making war: If the revolution succeeded, Satan and his forces would become as God and the heavenly hosts; that is, they would lose their sympathy for humanity. War begets war, and the vanquished always seek to regain what they have lost. The real duty of the revolutionary army of angels is to stay on Earth to spread the doctrine of love and compassion because only by doing so can God be defeated and peace come to the universe.
Prince Istar, a rebel angel who specializes in chemistry. He supports the revolutionary cause by manufacturing bombs.
Théophile (tay-oh-FEEL), an angel, approached by Arcade, who refuses to fight God. He is ashamed because he has satisfied his lust with a mortal woman, but he still respects God's authority.
Sophar (soh-FAHR), an angel who has become a Jewish banker named Max Everdingen. He will not join the rebel forces, but he offers to sell them munitions, the cost of which he would finance at his bank.
Zita (zee-TAH), a hostile female angel who wishes to join the ranks and fight as a man in the revolution.