Marie Corelli’s, The Sorrows of Satan was intended to be both a horror novel, with references to the Devil in Christianity, and a comment on the social injustices of the 1980’s.
In the story, we are introduced to the poor but honorable Geoffrey Tempest. His desperation to make his rent and end his starvation results in him making poor decisions. This comes in the form of the wealthy aristocrat, Lucio, who offers to aid him in ensuring his wealth. Lucio represents the Devil, and much like Eve in the Bible, Tempest is tempted to think of a better life even if it comes under questionable means. However, with his newfound wealth, he encounters more despair than when he was poor. For example, the ultimate suicide of his wife, Olga, makes his newfound status in life bittersweet.
Ultimately, the book brings up uncomfortable questions for the reader to ponder on – whether it be about the truth of religion or the state of the social hierarchy we exist in? Tempest’s eventual return to his poor status is perhaps Corelli’s way of saying that the choice is up to us in determining the sort of life we choose to live.
