Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
XXXI explained
Fleurette grows accustomed to the grim mockeries in the prison common room, finding some amusement in the antics of a soot-painted aide who plays Satan.
What happens
Fleurette grows accustomed to the grim mockeries in the prison common room, finding some amusement in the antics of a soot-painted aide who plays Satan. She associates him with a secret letter from Amédé and later receives a letter from Bibi, which brings her joy and reassurance. She writes a reply, trusting in Bibi's protection and obeying his command to remain silent before the Tribunal.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Fleurette's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt and brutal mockeries of the prison, yet she finds moments of joy and trust.
Love and Loyalty
Fleurette's love for Bibi and Amédé drives her obedience and trust, even in the face of danger.
Disguise and Deception
The warder's aide disguises himself as Satan to communicate with Fleurette, and Bibi's secret letters are hidden in her belongings.
Characters to notice
- Fleurette
Becomes familiar with prison mockeries, finds solace in a warder's aide, and receives a letter from Bibi, which she treasures and obeys.
- Bibi
Sends Fleurette a comforting letter via a mysterious aide, asserting his protection and commanding her silence.
- Amédé Colombe
Previously sent a letter to Fleurette, which she associates with the warder's aide.
- Adèle
Mentioned as trying to harm Fleurette, but Fleurette is instructed to hold her peace.
- Claire de Châtelard
Her death deeply affected Fleurette, contributing to her declining health.
Key passages
“She used to watch him turning and wriggling his huge body, which he had painted all over with soot and draped in bits of red rags. He made an ideal Satan with tail and horns complete, and sometimes it seemed to Fleurette as if he went through all his antics for the sole purpose of bringing a smile upon her lips.”
Fleurette observed a large man covered in soot and red rags, acting as a mock Satan, and felt he performed solely to make her smile.
Highlights the grim humor and the aide's secret kindness toward Fleurette.
“And the letter was from chéri Bibi. Oh! the joy of it! The joy! She read, and reread it, and kissed the paper whereon his dear hand had rested.”
Fleurette was overjoyed to receive a letter from Bibi, which she read and kissed repeatedly.
Emphasizes Fleurette's deep love and emotional reliance on Bibi.
“She would indeed obey him in all things, hold her peace while that wicked Adèle tried to do her harm; she would hold her peace before the Tribunal just as le bon Jésus had done when he was questioned by his judges.”
Fleurette resolved to obey Bibi completely, remaining silent before Adèle and the Tribunal, likening her silence to Jesus before his judges.
Shows Fleurette's faith and determination to follow Bibi's instructions, drawing a religious parallel.