"An Angel in Disguise", a short story, written by the popular 19th - century American author T.S. Arthur in 1851 is literally based on the theme "love can win over anything in the world."
An unnamed poor woman died from excess consumption of alcohol. She had been an outcast in her village due to her addiction but when she died, the villagers felt pity for her and so they arraged a funeral for her. The women had two daughters and a son. The townspeople take pity on these children and the two oldest are taken in by new families, but the youngest Maggie, who is crippled, is left alone because no one wants to deal with her disability. Everyone suggested sending her to the poorhouse but no one made an effort to do something about it. After the funeral, everyone left but Joe Thompson lingered. Joe worked as a wheelwright in the village. Though he looked to be a rough man, Joe was kind and loved children since he didn't have any children. Even though Jow knew that his wife, Jane Thompan, would not be very happy to see Maggie, he carried the kid to his home. Joe also requested her to put aside her heart's bitterness and see how life was cruel for Maaggie; motherless, homeless and permanently bed- ridden. Though Mrs. Thompson didn't say anything to her husband, her heart eventually softened a little towards Maggie. Joe told his wife that he would make errands the next day to send Maggie to the poorhouse and left for work. After dusk, when he was coming home, he saw from the window that Mrs. Thompson was sitting by Maggie's bed and they were taking or rather Maggie was answering Mrs. Thompson's questions. He felt it was best not to bring up the topic of Maggie himself, so he didn't say anything further on the subject.
He went to see Maggie and they talked for a while. While having supper Mrs. Thompson asked her husband what he was going to do with the child, in answer to which Joe said that he would go to the poorhouse the next day. Mrs. Thompson didn't say anything but Joe that years of bitterness have finally started fading away. She even offered food to Maggie. Maggie's innocence, sweetness, unconditional love and gratitude for them filled the void that had formed in Mrs. Thompson's heart. She told Joe that she wanted to keep Maggie for a couple of days more but that day never came as they remained together forever, as a family. She was really an angel who had come into their house, disguised as sick, helpless, and miserable child, and filled all its dreary chambers with sunshine of love.
Click here to Solve ⇒ MCQ on An Angel in Disguise Question and Answer of An Angel in Disguise Question No. 1 :- What did Joe do when he left his wife alone with the child ? What attracted his attention on turning towards the house ? Ans :- Joe went to his shop, which stood near the house, and worked until dusky everning released him from labor.
A light shinning through the little chamber windows was the first object that attracted Joe's attention on turning towards the house.
Question No 2 :- How did life blossom for Joe and Jane Thompson ? Ans :- After the death of the old woman, nobody was ready to take Maggie's reponsibility because she was diseased. Finally, Mr. Thompson took her home. He sympathised with her and felt it forbidding leaving her alone. His wife was not happy with Joe bringing Maggie home. She was very bitter and angry about it. Joe subdued her by quoting from the Bible and appealed to her to be compassionate and polite with Maggie. Jane too eventually developed a bond of affection with Maggie and suggested to delay sending her to the poorhouse. Mr and Mrs. Thompson never sent her to the poorhouse and took care of Maggie as their own child.
Maggie proved to be an angel in disguise. Mrs. Thompson has understood the true meaning of compassion, kindness and love. For Joe Thompson, an angel ahd come into his house disguised as a sick, helpless and miserable child and filled all its dreary chambers with the sunshine of love. Thus, the writer tries to convery that not onle does Maggie need the care of another to survive but Mrs. Thompson also had Maggie to extend her care and love, to live a happy and purposeful life. They lived a contented blossomed life and therefore, the writer exclaimed that they drank the precious wine of life every day.