Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
XXXIII explained
Chauvelin, facing the inevitable tragedy, exhausts all schemes to save Fleurette but realizes the mob's hatred will destroy her.
What happens
Chauvelin, facing the inevitable tragedy, exhausts all schemes to save Fleurette but realizes the mob's hatred will destroy her. He writes her name on the accusation forms, and Fleurette hears her name on the roll-call for trial. She remains unafraid, trusting Bibi's promise, and feels only disappointment at the absence of her grimy friend. She reflects on her actions without regret, believing she obeyed God's commands.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice
Chauvelin recognizes that the mob's hatred, which he helped foster, now threatens his own daughter's life, illustrating the indiscriminate cruelty of the Revolution.
Innocence and Corruption
Fleurette's innocent trust in Bibi and lack of fear contrast with the corrupt and vengeful machinations of Pochart, Danou, and the mob.
Love and Loyalty
Chauvelin's desperate love for Fleurette drives his scheming, while Fleurette's unwavering loyalty to Bibi and Amédé sustains her hope.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Chauvelin
Desperately schemes to save Fleurette but ultimately writes her name on the accusation forms, accepting the inevitable.
- Fleurette
Hears her name on the roll-call for trial, feels no fear, trusts Bibi, and misses her grimy friend.
- Bibi
Fleurette trusts his promise and hopes to see him at her trial.
- Amédé Colombe
Fleurette thinks of him and hopes for a reunion after the trial.
- Old Louise
Fleurette anticipates a happy reunion with her at Lou Mas.
- Public Prosecutor Isnard
Mentioned as arriving in Paris, potentially exposing Chauvelin's machinations.
Key passages
“He had schemed and planned until he felt that his reason would give way, until he feared that he would lose the nerve and the power of which he had such sore need.”
Chauvelin's relentless plotting brought him to the brink of mental collapse, as he feared losing the composure and authority he desperately required.
Highlights Chauvelin's psychological strain and desperation.
“She was not frightened, nor did she weep. Tears were a thing of the past for her.”
Fleurette felt no fear and had stopped crying, having exhausted her tears over the past weeks.
Shows Fleurette's emotional exhaustion and resignation.
“But she was not afraid because she trusted Bibi.”
Her lack of fear stemmed from her complete trust in Bibi.
Emphasizes Fleurette's faith in Bibi as her source of courage.