The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
XXI: Suspense explained
Chauvelin, having captured Marguerite Blakeney after she fell into his trap, uses the Abbé Foucquet as her jailer.
What happens
Chauvelin, having captured Marguerite Blakeney after she fell into his trap, uses the Abbé Foucquet as her jailer. He waits for reinforcements from the Committee of Public Safety, savoring his anticipated revenge against the Scarlet Pimpernel. The chapter details his calculations, his hatred, and his careful precautions while he bides his time.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Hatred
Chauvelin's personal hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel drives his every action; he seeks not just death but humiliation.
Deception and Disguise
Marguerite falls for the trap laid by Chauvelin using the forged passport and Candeille's complicity.
Sacrifice for the Greater Good
Marguerite's impulsive act to follow her husband is framed as a loving sacrifice that ironically endangers him.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Captured and imprisoned in room No. 6 of the Gayole prison; guarded by Abbé Foucquet.
- Citizen Chauvelin
Masterminds the trap and relishes his revenge; stays in his quarters at the Hotel de Ville and orders Marguerite brought before him.
- Abbé Foucquet
Coerced into becoming Marguerite's jailer; his niece and nephew are used as leverage.
- Collot d'Herbois
Arrives in Boulogne on the evening of the 22nd, sent by the Committee of Public Safety.
- Désirée Candeille
Mentioned as the woman who aided Chauvelin in setting the trap for Marguerite.
- Robespierre
Referenced in Chauvelin's memory of his interview, where he asked for absolute power.
Key passages
“the cleverest woman in Europe had failed to perceive the trap laid temptingly open for her.”
Marguerite, once hailed as Europe's most brilliant woman, did not see the obvious snare.
Chauvelin's ironic reflection on Marguerite's downfall.
“l'Abbé Foucquet, weak, helpless and gentle, became the relentless jailer who would guard Marguerite more securely than a whole regiment of loyal soldiers could have done.”
The frail Abbé Foucquet, through coercion, becomes a more effective guard than any soldier.
Chauvelin's manipulation of the Abbé's family ties.