Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
The Decision explained
Rosemary shares with Elza the newspaper articles she has written, which General Naniescu wants published in exchange for Philip and Anna's pardon and the preservation of Kis-Imre.
What happens
Rosemary shares with Elza the newspaper articles she has written, which General Naniescu wants published in exchange for Philip and Anna's pardon and the preservation of Kis-Imre. Elza is bewildered and must decide whether to allow Rosemary to proceed.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Rosemary sacrifices her own feelings to save Philip and Anna.
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Naniescu uses political pressure to force compliance.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Presents the articles to Elza, showing selflessness and love.
- Elza Imrey
Bewildered by the choice she must make for her family.
- Maurus Imrey
Recovering from illness, kept quiet on doctor's orders.
- General Naniescu
Demands the articles in exchange for pardon and safety.
Key passages
“The future! she murmured with a weary little sigh. Of course, the doctor does not know. Perhaps I ought to tell him what the future holds in store for poor Maurus.”
Elza sighs wearily, realizing the doctor is unaware of the impending troubles for Maurus.
Elza's anxiety about the future.
“He wants this so badly that on the day these articles are published Philip and Anna will receive a full pardon, Kis-Imre will not be taken from you, and, if you wish, you can all leave the country for a time until things settle down and better times come for you all.”
Rosemary explains that publishing the articles will secure Philip and Anna's freedom and protect Kis-Imre.
The bargain offered by Naniescu.