Asmodeus by Hilaire Belloc (1904)
The story revolves around a young man who makes a pact with the devil to gain wealth and power. He becomes increasingly consumed by his newfound status, but ultimately loses everything due to his own corruption. The narrative explores themes of morality, temptation, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1904 · Genre: Satire, Fantasy, Social Commentary · 2,554 words
First lines
"Can you not show me," said the Student, as they flew swiftly through the upper air over Madrid, he clinging tightly to the Devil's skirts, "can you not show me other sights equally entertaining before we finish our journey?"
What this Textopian page supports
Asmodeus is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fantasy, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Urban Fiction
- Length: 2,554 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Asmodeus by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Asmodeus?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Whibleys Spirit by K. Jerome
- Ridan The Devil by Louis Becke
- Witch Stone by James Mcintyre
- The Treasure Of Sacramento Nick by Guy Boothby
- On The Return Of The Dead by Hilaire Belloc
- The Shades A Fantasy by Vladimir Korolenko
Genres
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and human behavior.
- Fantasy — The story involves supernatural elements, such as a devil showing a student the hidden truths of Madrid.
- Social Commentary — The text provides insights into the social structures and moral weaknesses of Madrid's society.
- Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue between the student and the devil explores themes of morality and human nature.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mythology · Supernatural · Dark Fantasy · Gothic Fiction · Horror · Occultism · Demonology · Satanism · Christianity · Theology