Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
XXXV explained
Fleurette's trial unfolds at the Revolutionary Tribunal, where Chauvelin, as presiding judge, desperately tries to secure her acquittal.
What happens
Fleurette's trial unfolds at the Revolutionary Tribunal, where Chauvelin, as presiding judge, desperately tries to secure her acquittal. Despite his initial success in swaying the crowd, Fleurette's own actions ruin her chance, leading to her condemnation. The chapter details the testimony of Adèle and the political maneuvering among the judges, highlighting the precariousness of justice under the Revolution.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice
The trial exemplifies the travesty of justice under the Revolution, where the accused is denied a jury and advocate, and the proceedings are a mere formality for condemnation.
Family and Paternal Love
Chauvelin's desperate fight to save his daughter, despite his role as a revolutionary judge, highlights the conflict between paternal love and political duty.
Innocence and Corruption
Fleurette's serene innocence contrasts with the corruption of the tribunal and the spiteful crowd, yet her own folly leads to her downfall.
Characters to notice
- Fleurette
The accused, whose modest bearing and spotless attire arouse the crowd's spite; her actions ultimately cause her own condemnation.
- Citizen Chauvelin
Presiding judge and father, fighting desperately to save Fleurette's life, but losing self-control under pressure.
- Adèle
Witness for the prosecution, testifying nervously but truthfully against Fleurette; later denounced by Chauvelin as a liar and thief.
- Pochart
Judge who accuses Fleurette of being a wanton and traitor, and challenges Chauvelin's motives.
- Danou
Third judge who compares Chauvelin to the traitor Danton, escalating the conflict.
- Lieutenant Godet
Mentioned as a witness whose name is greeted with derision by the crowd.
Key passages
“There is no doubt that everything would have gone well, had it not been for Fleurette herself.”
Fleurette's own actions ruined her chance of acquittal.
The narrator blames Fleurette for her condemnation despite Chauvelin's efforts.
“His love for her always pertained to that of a wild beast for its young; the instinct to devour in moments of peril.”
Chauvelin's love for Fleurette is possessive and destructive, like a beast that would rather kill its offspring than see it harmed by others.
Describes the dark, instinctual nature of Chauvelin's paternal love.
“The most fickle entity in the world is a multitude, and of all the multitudes, an audience watching the suffering of a fellow-creature is the most fickle and the most callous.”
Crowds are unpredictable, especially when entertained by someone's suffering.
Reflects on the volatility of public opinion during the trial.