Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

The second main characteristic that the angel in the house displays is chastity. As a domestic
creature she limits her love to her husband and children. Therefore,
Her beauty
[. . .]
Which made an altar of her face,
Was not of the flesh, though that was fair,
But a most pure and living light. (39)
The angel in the house does not give in to carnal temptations or have illicit love affairs; she is pure and
virtuous. Her beauty is not fleshly or voluptuous, for it actually emphasizes her piety and goodness. Since
the angel of the house rarely leaves the home her husband is her only source of sexual pleasure. By having a
pure and domestic wife, the husband never needs to question his children’s paternity.
In addition to chastity, the angel in the house also demonstrates the characteristic of domesticity.
Her roles as a wife and mother require that she remain in the home while her husband works and travels.
When the angel in the house is home
Her sons pursue the butterflies,
Her baby daughter mocks the doves
With throbbing coo; in his fond eyes
She’s Venus with her little Loves;
[. . .]
Ten years to-day has she been his. (45)
This passage demonstrates that when the angel in the house accomplishes her motherly and wifely duties her
children and husband are able to thrive and flourish. Her children can have carefree, happy childhoods and
her husband can feel proud of his family. While her husband is the head of the family, the angel of the house
is the head of the domestic sphere. If she does not perform her duties well the family will erupt into chaos
328