The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
XXIX: The National Fête explained
The citizens of Boulogne, after a tense night of vigil outside the Gayole prison, are awakened by the town-crier Auguste Moleux, who announces a day of public rejoicing.
What happens
The citizens of Boulogne, after a tense night of vigil outside the Gayole prison, are awakened by the town-crier Auguste Moleux, who announces a day of public rejoicing. He proclaims that the Scarlet Pimpernel has been captured, and as a reward, the Committee of Public Safety grants a general amnesty to all natives of Boulogne under arrest or sentence of death, allowing them to leave freely. The crowd shifts from despair to hope, discussing pardons and plans to flee, while Moleux declares that the religion of Reason has replaced the old God.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Terror
The chapter contrasts the terror of the night vigil and fear of execution with the sudden, arbitrary amnesty decreed by Robespierre, highlighting the capricious nature of Revolutionary power.
Deception and Disguise
The announcement of the Scarlet Pimpernel's capture is a public deception used to manipulate the crowd's emotions and secure their compliance with the new regime.
Characters to notice
- Abbé Foucquet
Mentioned as being in prison and likely to be pardoned under the amnesty; the crowd suggests he would be wise to leave Boulogne with the children.
- Robespierre
Cited as the authority who sent the order for the amnesty and the decree that 'le bon Dieu has ceased to be,' establishing the religion of Reason.
- Désiré Melun
Claims to have seen a woman's face at a prison window during the night, but his report is dismissed as dreaming by the crowd.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Referenced indirectly as the Scarlet Pimpernel, whose capture in Boulogne is announced as the cause of the amnesty and festivities.
Key passages
“Forgotten were the anxieties of the night, the fears of death, the great and glorious Revolution, which for this one day would cease her perpetual demand for the toll of blood.”
The people set aside their nighttime worries and dread of execution, as the Revolution paused its relentless bloodshed for a single day.
Highlights the temporary reprieve from terror and the forced gaiety of the National Fête.
“A general amnesty to all natives of Boulogne who are under arrest at the present moment: a free pardon to all natives of Boulogne who are under sentence of death: permission to all natives of Boulogne to quit the town with their families, to embark on any vessel they please, in or out of the harbour, and to go whithersoever they choose, without passports, formalities or questions of any kind.”
All Boulogne residents currently imprisoned or condemned to death are pardoned, and they may leave the town freely with their families on any ship, without any paperwork or restrictions.
Summarizes the amnesty proclamation that transforms the crowd's despair into hope.
“Le bon Dieu has ceased to be!”
The good God no longer exists.
Auguste Moleux announces the official abolition of traditional religion in favor of the Cult of Reason, a key Revolutionary policy.