Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Chauvelin is forced to sign an order for Fleurette's arrest, while Adèle testifies against her, revealing her spying and the betrayal of the Frontenacs.
What happens
Chauvelin is forced to sign an order for Fleurette's arrest, while Adèle testifies against her, revealing her spying and the betrayal of the Frontenacs. Fleurette is taken to the house of detention, but remains trusting in Bibi's protection.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice
Chauvelin is coerced into signing his daughter's arrest warrant, illustrating the brutal demands of the revolutionary state.
Innocence and Corruption
Fleurette's innocence contrasts with Adèle's spiteful corruption and the cynical machinations of Pochart and Danou.
Family and Paternal Love
Chauvelin's internal agony and determination to save Fleurette despite signing her arrest order highlight his paternal love.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Chauvelin
Forced to sign his own daughter's arrest warrant, he masks his anguish and plots to save her.
- Fleurette
Arrested and taken to detention, she remains trusting in Bibi and concerned for Amédé and Old Louise.
- Adèle
Testifies against Fleurette, revealing her spying and betrayal of the Frontenacs out of spite.
- Pochart
Writes the arrest order and pressures Chauvelin to sign.
- Danou
Threatens Chauvelin and gloats over his power over the representative.
- Lieutenant Godet
Provides the guard and is dismissed after Adèle's testimony.
Key passages
“They should not see, these fiends, what torture he was enduring; they should not see that at this moment he felt just like a brute beast writhing in agony.”
Chauvelin hides his intense suffering from his enemies, feeling like a tortured animal.
Reveals Chauvelin's inner torment and his effort to maintain a stoic facade.
“Adèle turned a sneering glance on Fleurette. 'I’ll chance a punishment from your bon Dieu,' she said flippantly, 'for the joy of seeing you punished by the Revolutionary Tribunal.'”
Adèle mocks Fleurette's faith, saying she would risk divine punishment for the pleasure of seeing her condemned.
Highlights Adèle's spite and the clash between religious faith and revolutionary ideology.
“Chauvelin signed with a steady hand, his lips tightly pressed one against the other. They should not see, these fiends, what torture he was enduring.”
Chauvelin signs the arrest order calmly on the outside, hiding his agony from his tormentors.
Emphasizes Chauvelin's self-control and the emotional cost of his position.