# Chapter XX explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

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

## What happens

Fleurette is brought before Chauvelin, Pochart, and Danou on a charge of treason, instigated by Lieutenant Godet. Chauvelin struggles to defend her as the men invoke the Law of the Suspect, and he is haunted by visions of retribution for his own past cruelties.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice

The Law of the Suspect is used to threaten Fleurette, highlighting the arbitrary and cruel nature of revolutionary justice.

### Family and Paternal Love

Chauvelin's desperate attempts to protect his daughter reveal a deep paternal love, conflicting with his revolutionary duties.

### Innocence and Corruption

Fleurette's innocence contrasts with the corrupt and vengeful motives of Godet, Pochart, and Danou.

## Character check-ins

### Fleurette

Brought before the tribunal on charges of treason, she is confused but not fully aware of the danger.

### Citizen Chauvelin

Struggles to defend his daughter while grappling with guilt and rage as the men use the Law of the Suspect against him.

### Lieutenant Godet

Arrests Fleurette and accuses her of treason, seeking revenge for his earlier humiliation.

### Pochart

One of the men questioning Fleurette, he is rough and determined, invoking the Law of the Suspect.

### Danou

Speaks in unctuous tones, supporting the accusation and reminding Chauvelin of the law he helped frame.

## Key lines

> And through the meshes that tightened round him now, Chauvelin gazing into space saw before his eyes the awful word “Retribution” written in letters of fire and blood.

Chauvelin feels trapped and envisions retribution for his past sins.

_Highlights Chauvelin's guilt and the theme of retribution._

> “The Law of the Suspect,” Pochart added, “has been framed expressly to meet such cases as these.”

Pochart invokes the Law of the Suspect to justify the accusation against Fleurette.

_Illustrates the arbitrary nature of revolutionary justice._

> “A patriot has no sentiment,” Danou echoed suavely.

Danou claims that true patriots must suppress personal feelings.

_Reflects the revolutionary ideology that prioritizes the state over family._

## Links

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