First published in 1922, The Angel Intrudes is a satirical take on Anatole France’s novel La Revolte des anges (The Revolt of Angels; 1914). Arcade is the guardian angel of a young man, Jimmy Pendleton, who lives in the Village. Jimmy is about to run off to South America with his younger lover, Annabelle. However, it soon becomes clear that the couple have differing definitions of love. They are interrupted by the Angel, who identifies himself as Jimmy’s guardian angel and wants to learn about human experiences by smoking, drinking alcohol, and flirting with Annabelle. While Jimmy is out of the room, the Angel seduces Annabelle and declares that he wants to stay in a world where she is forever. Jimmy tries to talk Annabelle out of it, but she’s convinced that she and the Angel are in love. Jimmy then pleads with the Angel to rethink the situation, but the Angel refuses and tries to burn his wings as proof of his love (which Jimmy stops him from doing). Ultimately, Annabelle and the Angel elope together...but not before the Angel sneaks back in to grab his wings, just in case he decides to return to heaven after all.
The Angel Intrudes guide sections
