# XXXVI explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

> Chapter companion for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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