Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
XXVII explained
Chauvelin uses a decree to take control of the Tribunal, appointing himself as president and planning to appoint a substitute prosecutor, while privately agonizing over the threat to Fleurette and his hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel.
What happens
Chauvelin uses a decree to take control of the Tribunal, appointing himself as president and planning to appoint a substitute prosecutor, while privately agonizing over the threat to Fleurette and his hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice
Chauvelin exploits a decree to seize control of the Tribunal, highlighting the arbitrary and oppressive nature of revolutionary justice.
Family and Paternal Love
Chauvelin's desperate love for Fleurette drives his actions, as he contemplates dying by her side rather than letting her face the guillotine alone.
Disguise and Deception
Chauvelin hides his anguish behind a calm facade, while the Scarlet Pimpernel's mocking vision underscores the theme of hidden identities.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Chauvelin
Chauvelin manipulates the Committee using a decree, then privately breaks down in anguish over Fleurette's danger and his impotence to save her.
- Danou
Danou challenges Chauvelin's authority but ultimately backs down, wiping sweat from his bald cranium.
- Pochart
Pochart questions the decree and Chauvelin's appointment, but is cowed by Chauvelin's threats.
- The Scarlet Pimpernel
Appears as a vision to Chauvelin, mocking him; Chauvelin curses him as his 'evil genius.'
- Fleurette
Fleurette is the beloved target of Chauvelin's enemies; Chauvelin's anguish centers on her potential execution.
Key passages
“Not by the quiver of an eyelid did he betray the fact that the shaft had gone home.”
He showed no outward sign that Danou's words had struck their target.
Chauvelin's stoic mask hides his inner turmoil.
“Ah! if he had not only forgotten these years past how to pray, what fervent orisons would he not have sent heavenwards at this hour.”
He wished he could pray for help, but had lost the habit long ago.
Chauvelin's spiritual desolation mirrors his political isolation.
“My evil genius! ... Had I succeeded in bringing you down, had I seen that mocking head fall under the guillotine, this devastating misery would never have come upon me.”
He blames the Scarlet Pimpernel for his current plight, wishing he had killed him earlier.
Chauvelin's hatred for the Pimpernel is intertwined with his fear for Fleurette.