The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
II explained
Madeleine Lannoy recounts to a mysterious stranger how Jean Paul Marat stole her son in revenge for her rejection of his love, and how she has since disguised herself as a street-dancer to search for the child.
What happens
Madeleine Lannoy recounts to a mysterious stranger how Jean Paul Marat stole her son in revenge for her rejection of his love, and how she has since disguised herself as a street-dancer to search for the child. The stranger, revealed to be a gentleman of authority and kindness, offers his help and that of his friends to find her son, and arranges for her to stay in safe lodgings under the protection of a woman named Marguerite.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Protection
Madeleine's desperate search for her stolen son and the stranger's offer to protect her and reunite the family.
Revolutionary Terror and Injustice
Marat's abuse of power to steal a child for revenge, and the systemic injustice of the Revolution that allows such acts.
Identity and Disguise
Madeleine's masquerade as a street-dancer to infiltrate the slums, and the stranger's hidden identity as a rescuer.
Characters to notice
- Madeleine Lannoy
A widowed mother whose son was stolen by Marat; she has been masquerading as a street-dancer to find him.
- Jean Paul Marat
The cruel revolutionary who stole Madeleine's son out of revenge for her rejection.
- Simonne Evrard
Marat's faithful companion, mentioned as the recipient of his affections.
- Marguerite
The angelic woman who provides comfort and protection to Madeleine in her lodgings.
- The Scarlet Pimpernel
The mysterious stranger who offers to help Madeleine find her son, speaking with authority and promising his word.
Key passages
“The forged message, the suborned servant, the threats of terrible reprisals if anyone in the village gave me the slightest warning or clue.”
Marat used a fake letter, a bribed servant, and threats to ensure no one warned Madeleine before her son was taken.
Madeleine describes the careful planning of the abduction.
“I became a street-singer, dancer, what you will. I wear rags now and solicit alms. I haunt the most disreputable cabarets in the lowest slums of Paris.”
To find her son, Madeleine disguised herself as a beggar and performer, frequenting the worst parts of Paris.
Madeleine explains her undercover search.
“I pledge you my word that I will find your son for you.”
The stranger gives his solemn promise to locate Madeleine's child.
The stranger offers hope and a commitment to help.