Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
XXXVI explained
In the midst of a chaotic trial, a giant incites the crowd against President Chauvelin, revealing himself as Sir Percy Blakeney in disguise.
What happens
In the midst of a chaotic trial, a giant incites the crowd against President Chauvelin, revealing himself as Sir Percy Blakeney in disguise. He seizes the unconscious Fleurette and prepares to lead the mob to the guillotine, while Chauvelin, recognizing his enemy, succumbs to despair.
Themes in this chapter
Disguise and Deception
The Scarlet Pimpernel appears disguised as a grimy giant, fooling the crowd and even the judges.
Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice
The mob's lust for blood and the breakdown of order at the tribunal highlight the tyranny and injustice of the revolutionary period.
Heroism and Sacrifice
The Scarlet Pimpernel risks himself to rescue Fleurette, embodying heroic sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Fleurette
Falls unconscious across the bar of the accused, then is carried off by the giant.
- Citizen Chauvelin
The President of the Tribunal, he is accused of perjury and faces the mob's fury; he recognizes the giant as Sir Percy Blakeney.
- The Scarlet Pimpernel
Disguised as a grimy giant, he incites the crowd and reveals himself to Chauvelin as Sir Percy Blakeney.
- Pochart
One of the judges, watches the proceedings with undisguised glee.
- Danou
Another judge, also observes the tumult with glee.
- Adèle
Present in the courtroom but forgotten in the chaos.
- Lieutenant Godet
Present in the courtroom but overlooked during the riot.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Revealed as the grimy giant; he speaks to Chauvelin in an alien tongue and takes revenge.
Key passages
“Un géant, fût le premier à lancer l’accusation fausse contre le Président du Tribunal, et un tumulte irrépressible s’ensuivit.”
A giant was the first to falsely accuse the President of the Tribunal, and an uncontrollable riot followed.
This quote from the Moniteur describes the giant's role in inciting the chaos.
“You have your revenge at last, Sir Percy.”
You are finally getting your revenge, Sir Percy.
Chauvelin acknowledges the Scarlet Pimpernel's triumph in the courtroom.
“Hitting back as you see, my friend.”
I am retaliating, as you can see, my friend.
Sir Percy responds to Chauvelin, confirming his role in the uprising.