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A Deal with the Devil

Written by Eden Phillpotts

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EnglandGrandparent and childDevilRejuvenation

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About this book

"A Deal with the Devil" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Daniel Dolphin, a man celebrating his hundredth birthday, who makes a fateful pact with the Devil for an additional ten years of life, promising to grow younger instead of older. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of his granddaughter, Martha, as they grapple with the implications of this peculiar deal. The opening of the novel introduces Daniel Dolphin as a flawed but lively character reaching a remarkable age. On his birthday, he shares a humorous and unsettling dream featuring the Devil, who offers him a chance to extend his life by ten years in exchange for his soul. As Daniel contemplates this offer, Martha expresses her concern about the sinister consequences that may arise. Following the dream, Daniel discovers a formal agreement that suggests the pact is indeed real, provoking a mix of disbelief and horror for both him and Martha. This initial setup sets the stage for the unfolding chaos of their lives, leading to a blend of dark humor and poignant moments as they navigate the turmoil birthed from the Devil's bargain.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Deal with the Devil, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • humorous
  • mysterious

Eden Phillpotts' late 19th-century novel, "A Deal with the Devil," chronicles the extraordinary tale of Daniel Dolphin, a man who, on his hundredth birthday, makes a Faustian bargain with the Devil for an additional ten years of life, reversing the aging process. Narrated by his concerned granddaughter, Martha, the story unfolds as Daniel grapples with the increasingly peculiar and chaotic implications of his pact. What begins as a humorous, unsettling dream quickly manifests as a tangible, horrifying agreement, plunging their lives into turmoil. The narrative masterfully blends dark humor with poignant moments, exploring the moral and existential consequences of seeking to defy mortality.

“"A hundred years, Martha, and not a single wrinkle on the soul, though the skin tells another story!"”

Key themes

Mortality and the Desire for Immortality/Youth
The central theme explores humanity's deep-seated fear of death and the longing for extended life or renewed youth. Daniel's pact directly confronts this, but the narrative questions whether such a desire, when fulfilled unnaturally, brings genuine happiness or profound suffering.
The Consequences of Unnatural Bargains
This theme examines the inevitable, often unforeseen, and usually negative repercussions of making a pact with malevolent forces or attempting to subvert natural order. Daniel's deal, while offering youth, leads to chaos, alienation, and existential despair.
Family Bonds and Burden
The novel highlights the strength and strain of familial relationships, particularly between Daniel and his granddaughter, Martha. Martha bears the primary burden of Daniel's predicament, showcasing loyalty, love, and the sacrifices made for family.

Worth discussing

How does Daniel Dolphin's unique 'reverse aging' deal differ from traditional Faustian bargains, and what new moral dilemmas does it introduce?

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