The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
III: Ex-Ambassador Chauvelin explained
Chauvelin is summoned by Robespierre, who taunts him for his past failure to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel.
What happens
Chauvelin is summoned by Robespierre, who taunts him for his past failure to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel. Robespierre grants Chauvelin a renewed chance to redeem himself, providing funds and the Marny necklace for his mission to England. Chauvelin, though humiliated, accepts the challenge, determined to succeed this time.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Hatred
Chauvelin's intense hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel drives his determination to succeed, and Robespierre stokes this hatred to manipulate him.
Deception and Disguise
Chauvelin plans to go to England in a semi-official capacity, using deception to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel to France.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Chauvelin
Chauvelin is confronted by Robespierre about his past failure and is given a new mission to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel to France.
- Robespierre
Robespierre taunts Chauvelin, grants him resources for his mission, and subtly threatens him with the consequences of failure.
- Juliette Marny
Mentioned as a traitor who escaped to England; her mother's jewels, including a historic necklace, are confiscated and given to Chauvelin.
- Abbé Foucquet
Mentioned as the priest in Boulogne who was guarding the Marny family's jewels and gold.
Key passages
“Citizen Chauvelin, how you must hate that man!”
Robespierre remarks on Chauvelin's intense hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Robespierre uses Chauvelin's hatred to motivate him.
“I will myself direct that the Marny necklace be placed unreservedly in your hands; and a sum of fifty thousand francs for your expenses in England.”
Robespierre promises Chauvelin the Marny necklace and funds for his mission.
Robespierre provides resources to ensure Chauvelin has no excuse for failure.