The Woman and the Angel
An angel, weary of the monotony of heaven, is granted a temporary leave to explore the earthly realm. He descends, shedding his celestial attire, and is immediately captivating to those around him. His beauty and charm attract the admiration of many, yet he remains hesitant to engage romantically, adhering to his heavenly principles. His resolve is tested when he encounters a beautiful woman who boldly expresses her affection. Despite her allure and persuasive words, he struggles with the conflict between his divine upbringing and the temptations of earthly love. The woman challenges his beliefs, arguing that traditional notions of morality are outdated and restrictive. As their interaction deepens, the angel grapples with his identity and the implications of succumbing to desire. The tension escalates as he is torn between his celestial duties and the intoxicating pull of human emotion. The narrative explores themes of temptation, morality, and the struggle between duty and desire. The Master, sensing the angel's turmoil, calls him back, fearing for his purity. The angel's internal conflict reflects a broader commentary on the nature of right and wrong, as the Devil's voice echoes the woman's sentiments, suggesting that societal norms can be constraining and that true freedom lies in embracing one's desires. Ultimately, the work delves into the complexities of love, the challenges of adhering to moral codes, and the allure of earthly experiences, leaving the angel at a crossroads between his heavenly origins and the passionate, chaotic world of humanity.
By Robert W. Service · First published 1936 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance · 410 words
First lines
An angel was tired of heaven, as he lounged in the golden street; His halo was tilted sideways, and his harp lay mute at his feet; So the Master stooped in His pity, and gave him a pass to go, For the space of a moon, to the earth-world, to mix with the men below.
He doffed his celestial garments, scarce waiting to lay them straight; He bade goodbye to Peter, who stood by the golden gate; The sexless singers of heaven chanted a fond farewell, And the imps looked up as they pattered on the red-hot flags of hell.
What this Textopian page supports
The Woman and the Angel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert W. Service, dated 1936 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert W. Service
- Date: 1936 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance, Philosophical, Allegory
- Length: 410 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Woman and the Angel by Robert W. Service
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves an angel and elements of the supernatural, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and desire between the angel and the woman.
- Philosophical — The poem explores themes of morality, right and wrong, and the nature of love, prompting philosophical reflection.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · 19th Century Literature · Canadian Literature · Verse Novel · Love Story · Tragic Love · Fate vs. Free Will · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary