# III: Ex-Ambassador Chauvelin explained — The Elusive Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii-ex-ambassador-chauvelin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters