# II explained — The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters