Scaramouche · Chapter
IX: The Aftermath explained
André-Louis escapes from Fresnel's ferry after binding and gagging the ferryman, then encounters Aline de Kercadiou on the road.
What happens
André-Louis escapes from Fresnel's ferry after binding and gagging the ferryman, then encounters Aline de Kercadiou on the road. She warns him of the danger he faces and offers to help him flee, but he refuses to let her seek aid from the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr. After a tense exchange, she agrees not to involve the Marquis, and André-Louis continues his flight on foot, weary and nearly penniless.
Themes in this chapter
Cowardice and Courage
André-Louis shows courage in binding Fresnel and continuing his flight, while Fresnel's terror and Aline's pragmatic caution contrast with his defiance.
Love and Manipulation
Aline's offer to use her influence over the Marquis to save André-Louis reveals the interplay of love, duty, and strategic bargaining.
Characters to notice
- André-Louis Moreau
Flees after his speech at Rennes, binds the ferryman Fresnel, and refuses Aline's offer to seek help from the Marquis.
- Aline de Kercadiou
Meets André-Louis on the road, warns him of the danger, and offers her horse and help, but agrees not to involve the Marquis.
- Fresnel
The ferryman who is bound and gagged by André-Louis after threatening to inform against him.
- Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr
Mentioned as Aline's suitor and the target of André-Louis's speech; Aline considers using her influence over him.
- M. de Kercadiou
Mentioned as angry with André-Louis for betraying his trust, but does not want him hanged.
Key passages
“I yield to violence, but don’t imagine that it will greatly profit you.”
Fresnel surrenders the key under threat but warns André-Louis that the victory will be short-lived.
Fresnel's defiance masks his fear, setting up the confrontation.
“I would rather depend upon your silence than your assurances.”
André-Louis decides to physically restrain Fresnel rather than trust his promises.
André-Louis's pragmatic ruthlessness in securing his escape.
“Could I do less than I am doing? I do not want to hear of you hanged, André; nor does my uncle, though he is very angry with you.”
Aline explains that her help is motivated by concern, and even her uncle, despite his anger, does not wish André-Louis dead.
Aline's loyalty and the complexity of family ties.
“You often show yourself without any faculty of deductive reasoning.”
Aline criticizes André-Louis for failing to understand her motives and the situation.
Aline's sharp intellect and frustration with André-Louis's stubbornness.
“Do you think I would consent to anything that could so tie your hands? Do you think I want to see you damned, Aline?”
André-Louis refuses to let Aline sacrifice her freedom by bargaining with the Marquis for his safety.
André-Louis's principled stance and concern for Aline's honor.