# IV explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

> Chapter companion for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Fleurette's eighteenth birthday celebration is marked by the arrival of Amédé and his father Hector Colombe. Amidst the festivities, Amédé reveals he must leave to join the army, causing sorrow. Bibi warns of spies, and the chapter contrasts the innocence of young love with the harsh realities of revolutionary France.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loyalty

The deep bond between Fleurette and Amédé is highlighted through their shared history and the sorrow of his impending departure.

### Innocence and Corruption

The idyllic childhood and pure love of Fleurette and Amédé contrast with the corrupting influence of revolutionary politics and war.

### Family and Paternal Love

Hector Colombe's fierce protectiveness of his son and his anger at the state's interference reflect paternal love.

### Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice

Hector's outburst against the 'devils up in Paris' and the forced conscription of Amédé illustrate the oppressive nature of the revolutionary government.

## Character check-ins

### Fleurette

Celebrates her eighteenth birthday; learns of Amédé's impending departure for the army; shows her affection and sorrow.

### Amédé Colombe

Brings flowers to Fleurette; announces he must join the army; shares a tender moment with Fleurette.

### Hector Colombe

Fleurette's father; angry about Amédé being taken for cannon-fodder; expresses frustration with the revolutionaries.

### Bibi

Warns Hector about speaking carelessly; advises Fleurette to use 'Citizen' instead of 'M'sieu'; philosophical about the situation.

### Adèle

The village girl who helps with housework; described as furtive and rat-like; overhears the conversation.

### Old Louise

Mentioned as the one Adèle helps around the house.

## Key lines

> And now Fleurette was eighteen and Amédé twenty and her hair was like ripe corn, and her eyes as blue as the sky on a midsummer morn, whilst her mouth was dewy and fragrant as a rose in June.

Fleurette had just turned eighteen and Amédé was twenty; she was beautiful with golden hair, blue eyes, and a fresh, rosy complexion.

_Describes Fleurette's youthful beauty and the romantic atmosphere._

> “And now those gredins, those limbs of Satan are taking him away for cannon-fodder. Ah! the devils! the pigs! the pig-devils!”

Hector angrily curses the revolutionaries who are conscripting his son to be used as cannon fodder in the war.

_Shows Hector's fury and the perceived injustice of conscription._

> “I’m going away, Mam’zelle Fleurette,” said he. “Going away, M’sieu’ Amédé? Whither? When?” “They want me in the army.” “What for?” she asked naively. “To fight against the English.”

Amédé tells Fleurette he must leave to join the army and fight the English, and she asks in innocent confusion why he has to go.

_Highlights the naivety of the young lovers and the intrusion of war into their lives._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters