Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XIV explained
Rosemary, after a good cry, feels mentally better but physically exhausted.
What happens
Rosemary, after a good cry, feels mentally better but physically exhausted. She waits for Jasper to return from his walk to discuss the situation with Philip and Anna, who have been arrested by General Naniescu. Naniescu has given Rosemary an ultimatum: write propaganda articles to secure their release. When Jasper arrives, he is distracted and unsympathetic, focusing instead on Peter Blakeney's presence in Transylvania, which he learned from Naniescu. Rosemary is shocked and defensive. Jasper suggests Rosemary tell Elza that Philip and Anna will be released provisionally, hiding the conditional nature of their freedom. Rosemary agrees but feels increasingly distant from Jasper and longs for Peter's humanity and understanding.
Themes in this chapter
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Naniescu's arrest of Philip and Anna and his ultimatum to Rosemary to write propaganda articles exemplify the oppressive use of state power to suppress dissent and manipulate public opinion in the context of Romanian nationalism.
Marriage and Unrequited Love
Rosemary's emotional distance from Jasper and her longing for Peter Blakeney highlight the strain in her marriage. She feels Jasper lacks sympathy and humanity, while she mourns the loss of what Peter represented: youth, passion, and understanding.
Journalism and Truth
Rosemary's professional integrity as a journalist is challenged by Naniescu's demand that she write articles that 'throw dust in the eyes of the public.' Her rebellion against this compromise underscores the theme of truth versus propaganda.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Rosemary is emotionally strained after crying, physically exhausted but mentally clearer. She seeks Jasper's advice about Naniescu's ultimatum but feels chilled by his lack of sympathy. She reminisces about Peter Blakeney, longing for his humanity and understanding, and is shocked to learn from Jasper that Peter is in Transylvania.
- Jasper Tarkington
Jasper returns from a walk, apologetic for leaving Rosemary alone with Naniescu. He appears distracted and unsympathetic when Rosemary tells him about Philip and Anna's arrest and Naniescu's ultimatum. He questions why Rosemary didn't tell him Peter Blakeney is in Transylvania, revealing he overheard Naniescu mention Peter. He suggests Rosemary tell Elza about the provisional release without mentioning the condition.
- Peter Blakeney
Peter is mentioned by Jasper as being in Transylvania, based on Naniescu's comment about meeting him at five o'clock. Rosemary recalls their dance at the Albert Hall and longs for his sympathy and understanding, contrasting him with Jasper's coldness.
- Elza Imrey
Elza is the hostess at Kis-Imre. Rosemary is sent to tell her that Philip and Anna will be allowed to come home provisionally, without revealing the conditional nature of their release. Elza is not directly present in the chapter but is a key figure in the unfolding events.
- General Naniescu
Naniescu is the Romanian general who arrested Philip and Anna and gave Rosemary an ultimatum to write propaganda articles. He is present at Kis-Imre and is overheard by Jasper mentioning Peter Blakeney. Rosemary finds his presence an outrage.
- Philip Imrey
Philip is under arrest with Anna for their 'foolish conspiracy.' His release is conditional on Rosemary writing the articles. He is not directly present but is central to the chapter's conflict.
Key passages
“Rosemary, being very human and very young, felt all the better after she had had a good cry. Better mentally, that is to say. Physically she was tired, hot, overstrained; her eyes ached, her limbs ached, her head ached, but mentally she felt better.”
After crying, Rosemary felt emotionally relieved but was physically exhausted and in pain.
Highlights Rosemary's emotional release and physical strain after the confrontation with Naniescu.
“What sympathy she would have got from Peter if only he were here! His judgement, perhaps, would not have been so sound as Jasper's: Rosemary would not feel that she could rely on Peter to say or do only what was right, what was just and reasonable. He would be guided by his heart and not by his head; he would be wrong, no doubt—utterly wrong—in his judgements, in his advice. But oh! he would be so human, so full of pity, so understanding!”
Rosemary wished Peter were there because, unlike Jasper, he would be guided by emotion and offer sympathy and understanding, even if his advice was not as rational.
Contrasts Peter's emotional humanity with Jasper's cold rationality, revealing Rosemary's emotional needs.
“Why didn't you tell me, dear, that Peter Blakeney was in Transylvania?”
Jasper asked Rosemary why she had not informed him that Peter Blakeney was in the region.
Jasper's question reveals his suspicion and the tension between him and Rosemary regarding Peter's presence.
