Scaramouche · Chapter
I: Transition explained
André-Louis Moreau, writing from Paris to Le Chapelier and the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr, reflects on his flight from Nantes after shooting Binet, his destitution, and his philosophical consolation from Epictetus.
What happens
André-Louis Moreau, writing from Paris to Le Chapelier and the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr, reflects on his flight from Nantes after shooting Binet, his destitution, and his philosophical consolation from Epictetus. He takes a position as an assistant fencing master at M. Bertrand des Amis's academy, where he develops and tests a revolutionary theory of fencing based on precalculated disengages, achieving remarkable success against pupils and even the master himself.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
André-Louis articulates his revenge against the Marquis as psychological torment rather than death, aiming to make him suffer in life.
Identity and Disguise
André-Louis discards the livery of Scaramouche but reflects on his role as a stirrer of strife who slips away; his hidden identity in Paris.
Eloquence and Power
André-Louis's letters and his earlier speeches (as Omnes Omnibus) demonstrate the power of words to incite and shape events.
Characters to notice
- André-Louis Moreau
Narrates his flight from Nantes, destitution in Paris, and philosophical reflections; takes work at a fencing academy and develops a new theory of fencing.
- Le Chapelier
Recipient of André-Louis's letter discussing his situation and Epictetus.
- Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr
Recipient of André-Louis's letter threatening psychological torment as revenge for Philippe de Vilmorin's murder.
- M. Binet
Mentioned as possibly dead from André-Louis's gunshot; his fate is uncertain.
- Philippe de Vilmorin
His murder by the Marquis is the catalyst for André-Louis's oath of revenge.
- Bertrand des Amis
Fencing master who hires André-Louis as an assistant; his academy is the setting for André-Louis's fencing theory development.
Key passages
“You may agree that it is to be regretted I should definitely have discarded the livery of Scaramouche, since clearly there could be no livery fitter for my wear. It seems to be my part always to stir up strife and then to slip away before I am caught in the crash of the warring elements I have aroused.”
André-Louis regrets abandoning his Scaramouche persona, as it perfectly suits his pattern of provoking conflict and then escaping before the consequences.
Reflects on his role as an instigator and escape artist.
“I seek consolation in the reminder of Epictetus (do you ever read Epictetus?) that we are but actors in a play of such a part as it may please the Director to assign us.”
He finds comfort in Epictetus's idea that humans are merely actors playing roles assigned by a higher power.
Philosophical reflection on fate and free will.
“To deal justice by death has this disadvantage that the victim has no knowledge that justice has overtaken him. ... Not in euthanasia, but in torment of mind should the guilty atone.”
Killing the Marquis would deny him awareness of his punishment; André-Louis wants him to suffer mentally in life.
Articulates his unique philosophy of revenge.
“I am all to pieces this morning.”
The pupil admits he is fencing poorly today.
After André-Louis successfully hits him using his new theory.
