An Extinct Angel is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It was first published in 1926 in the magazine Good Housekeeping. The story is an allegory that explores the nature of angels and their relationship with humans.
The story is about a species of angels that once inhabited the planet but have since become extinct. The humans who lived alongside them were often tired and cross after a long day of work, and it was the angel’s job to wear a smile for their benefit. The story is a snapshot into the lives of the angels and their relationship with humans.
An Extinct Angel is a thought-provoking allegory that explores the nature of angels and their relationship with humans. It is a short story that is both entertaining and insightful. The story is a reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion, and how these virtues can make a difference in the lives of others.
The Essence of Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that has been used for centuries to convey a deeper meaning through symbols and metaphors. It is a type of extended metaphor that can be found in many forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. The essence of allegory lies in its ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts in a way that is both accessible and engaging to readers.
One of the key features of allegory is its use of symbolism. Symbols are objects, characters, or events that represent something else, often an abstract idea or concept. For example, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the animals represent different classes of people, while the pigs represent the ruling class. By using these symbols, Orwell is able to comment on the corrupt nature of power and the dangers of totalitarianism.
Another important aspect of allegory is its ability to convey multiple meanings. Allegories often have both a literal and a figurative meaning, allowing readers to interpret the story on different levels. For example, in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, the story of Christian’s journey to the Celestial City can be read as a literal story of a man’s journey to heaven, or as a figurative story of the Christian’s spiritual journey through life.
Overall, the essence of allegory lies in its ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts through the use of symbols and multiple meanings. It is a powerful tool for writers and readers alike, allowing us to explore the deeper meanings of the world around us.
Historical Context of Angelic Allegories
Angelic allegories have been a popular literary device throughout history. From religious texts to works of literature, angels have been used to represent various concepts and ideas. In the Bible, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, delivering important messages to humans. In Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” angels are seen as guardians of the divine order, maintaining balance and harmony in the universe.
During the Renaissance, angels were often depicted as idealized human beings with wings, representing the perfect union of the spiritual and physical worlds. In the 19th century, the Romantic movement saw angels as symbols of beauty and purity, often depicted in paintings and poetry.
In contemporary literature, angels have taken on a variety of roles, from protectors to rebels. In the popular “Twilight” series, angels are seen as protectors of humanity, while in “Good Omens,” they rebel against the divine plan.
Overall, the use of angelic allegories has evolved over time, reflecting changes in cultural and societal beliefs. Whether seen as messengers of God or symbols of rebellion, angels continue to captivate and inspire readers.
The Extinct Angel: Core Narrative
An Extinct Angel is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The story is an allegory that explores the idea of a species of angel that once inhabited the earth. The narrator describes the angels as “a universal solvent” to all the jarring, irreconcilable elements of human life. These angels were quite numerous, and almost every family had one. Although they differed in degree of seraphic virtue, all were, by common consent, angels.
The story focuses on the relationship between a man and his “angel.” The angel’s job was to wear a smile for the man’s benefit, a soft, perennial, heavenly smile that would make the man feel better. However, the man was often tired and cross, and the angel had to work hard to keep him happy. The man’s behavior was not always pleasant, but the angel remained patient and kind.
The story is a powerful allegory that explores the idea of how we treat each other in our daily lives. It reminds us that we all have the power to be angels to each other, to bring light and love into the world. The extinct angel is a reminder of what we have lost, but also a call to action to reclaim what we have lost and to be better to each other.
Symbolism in “An Extinct Angel”
Angel as a Symbol of Purity
In “An Extinct Angel,” the angel represents purity and innocence. The angel is described as “soft, white, and fluffy,” and its behavior is characterized as “well-behaved.” The angel’s purity is emphasized by its contrast with the human characters, who are described as “tired and cross.” The angel’s purity serves as a stark contrast to the human characters’ flaws and imperfections.
Extinction as a Metaphor for Loss
The extinction of the angel serves as a metaphor for loss. The angel’s extinction represents the loss of purity and innocence in the world. The story suggests that the extinction of the angel was caused by the human characters’ mistreatment of it. The loss of the angel serves as a warning about the consequences of mistreating pure and innocent beings.
Interplay of Light and Darkness
The story also uses light and darkness as a symbol of good and evil. The angel is associated with light, while the human characters are associated with darkness. The angel’s purity is emphasized by its association with light, while the human characters’ flaws and imperfections are emphasized by their association with darkness. The interplay of light and darkness serves as a reminder of the struggle between good and evil in the world.
Overall, “An Extinct Angel” uses symbolism to explore themes of purity, loss, and good versus evil. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of mistreating pure and innocent beings.
Character Analysis and Roles
The Angel’s Journey
In “An Extinct Angel,” the angel is portrayed as a meek and submissive character who possesses virtues above mere humanity. The writer describes the angel as “well-behaved” and “possessing a docile personality.” The angel is depicted as a universal solvent to all the jarring and irreconcilable elements of human life. The angel represents a broader concept of peace and harmony in society.
Throughout the story, the angel’s journey is one of sacrifice and selflessness. The angel is willing to give up everything to bring peace and harmony to humanity. The angel’s journey is a representation of the journey that every individual must take to achieve peace and harmony in their lives.
Supporting Characters’ Significance
The supporting characters in “An Extinct Angel” play a significant role in the story. They represent the different elements of human life that the angel is trying to reconcile. The writer does not refer to the characters by name but rather as a general group. The supporting characters’ significance lies in their representation of the different aspects of human life that need to be reconciled for peace and harmony to prevail.
The supporting characters also represent the challenges that the angel must overcome to achieve its goal. The writer portrays the supporting characters as being resistant to change and unwilling to accept the angel’s help. The supporting characters’ resistance to change represents the resistance that society often has towards change.
In conclusion, the angel and the supporting characters in “An Extinct Angel” represent the different elements of human life that need to be reconciled for peace and harmony to prevail. The angel’s journey is a representation of the journey that every individual must take to achieve peace and harmony in their lives.
Themes and Motifs
The Struggle Between Good and Evil
An Extinct Angel is an allegory that explores the struggle between good and evil. The protagonist, an angel, is initially portrayed as a pure and virtuous being, but as the story progresses, he becomes corrupted by the temptations of the world. The devil, who represents evil, is constantly trying to lure the angel away from his virtuous path. This struggle between good and evil is a common theme in literature, and An Extinct Angel presents it in a unique and thought-provoking way.
To emphasize this theme, the author uses various motifs throughout the story. For example, the angel’s wings symbolize his purity and goodness, while the devil’s horns represent his evil nature. The use of these motifs helps to reinforce the struggle between good and evil and adds depth to the allegory.
The Role of Redemption
Another important theme in An Extinct Angel is the role of redemption. Despite the angel’s fall from grace, he is given the opportunity to redeem himself and return to his virtuous path. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s society, where people are often judged harshly for their mistakes and are not given the chance to redeem themselves.
The author uses various motifs to emphasize the theme of redemption. For example, the angel’s halo represents his potential for redemption, while the devil’s pitchfork represents his temptation to stray from the path of redemption. The use of these motifs helps to emphasize the importance of redemption and adds depth to the allegory.
Overall, An Extinct Angel is a thought-provoking allegory that explores the struggle between good and evil and the role of redemption. Through the use of various motifs, the author emphasizes these themes and adds depth to the story.
Interpretations of the Allegory
Religious Interpretations
The allegory of the Extinct Angel has been interpreted in various religious contexts. Some see it as a symbol of the fall of man, while others interpret it as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance. The idea of an angel, a divine being, becoming extinct is seen as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and purity. The allegory can also be interpreted as a commentary on the relationship between God and humanity, and the consequences of disobedience.
Societal Commentary
The allegory of the Extinct Angel has also been interpreted as a commentary on society. The extinction of the angel can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of values and morals in society. The allegory can be seen as a warning against the dangers of progress and technological advancement, which can lead to the destruction of nature and the loss of spiritual values. The allegory can also be interpreted as a critique of the modern world, where materialism and consumerism have replaced spirituality and human connection.
In conclusion, the allegory of the Extinct Angel can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the context and perspective of the reader. It can be seen as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, a commentary on the relationship between God and humanity, or a critique of modern society. The allegory is a powerful reminder of the importance of values and morals, and the need for spiritual connection in a world that is becoming increasingly materialistic and disconnected.
Influence on Literature and Art
An Extinct Angel has had a significant impact on literature and art. The allegory has been used as a source of inspiration for many writers and artists throughout history. The story’s themes of loss, redemption, and sacrifice have resonated with audiences across cultures and time periods.
Many authors have used the allegory as a template for their own works. The story’s themes have been adapted and reimagined in countless ways, from classic literature to modern-day films. The allegory has also been the subject of critical analysis, with scholars examining its themes and motifs in detail.
In the art world, the allegory has been a popular subject for painters and sculptors. Many artists have created works that depict scenes from the story, often emphasizing the angel’s transformation from a beautiful creature to a decrepit, wingless being. The allegory has also been the subject of numerous installations and exhibitions, with artists exploring its themes in a variety of mediums.
Overall, An Extinct Angel has had a lasting impact on the world of literature and art. Its themes of loss, redemption, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless work of art.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Allegories in Literature
Comparative analysis is a common tool used in literature to examine similarities and differences between works. When examining the allegory of an extinct angel, it is important to consider other works that use similar allegories. One such work is “The Angel of the Odd” by Edgar Allan Poe. In this story, an angel appears to the protagonist and causes a series of strange events to occur. Like in “An Extinct Angel,” the angel in Poe’s story represents a supernatural force that disrupts the natural order of things.
Another work that uses a similar allegory is “The Angel of the Bridge” by John Cheever. In this story, an angel appears to a group of commuters who are stuck in traffic on a bridge. The angel represents hope and salvation to the commuters, who are frustrated and anxious. Like in “An Extinct Angel,” the angel in Cheever’s story represents a force that can provide relief from the stresses of modern life.
Contrasting Contemporary Works
While there are many works that use similar allegories to “An Extinct Angel,” there are also many contemporary works that use contrasting allegories. For example, in “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, the allegory of the angel is replaced by the allegory of the father and son. The relationship between the father and son represents the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. In this way, the allegory of the father and son is more grounded in reality than the allegory of the angel.
Another contemporary work that uses a contrasting allegory is “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. In this story, the allegory of the angel is replaced by the allegory of the Capitol. The Capitol represents the oppressive government that controls the lives of the citizens of Panem. Like in “An Extinct Angel,” the Capitol represents a force that disrupts the natural order of things. However, the allegory of the Capitol is more political and social than the allegory of the angel.