# V explained — The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

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

## What happens

Chauvelin, having recognized the Scarlet Pimpernel in the guise of Paul Molé, hurries to the depot where Hébert has secured the prisoner. He confirms the man's identity and, satisfied with his capture, orders Molé placed in solitary confinement under constant guard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Chauvelin believes he has unmasked the Scarlet Pimpernel in the person of Paul Molé, highlighting the theme of hidden identities.

### Revolutionary Terror and Injustice

The arbitrary arrest and solitary confinement of a suspected enemy of the state reflect the oppressive atmosphere of the Terror.

## Character check-ins

### Citizen Chauvelin

Recognizes the Scarlet Pimpernel in Paul Molé, arranges his solitary confinement, and feels triumphant.

### Hébert

Reports to Chauvelin that Paul Molé is safely locked up after a brief scuffle.

### Paul Molé

The prisoner, believed by Chauvelin to be the Scarlet Pimpernel in disguise, sits sullenly in his cell.

### Commissary Cuisinier

Reluctantly allows Chauvelin access to the prisoner despite the late hour.

## Key lines

> In the out-at-elbows, half-starved servant of the murdered Terrorist, citizen Chauvelin, of the Committee of Public Safety, had recognised his arch enemy, that meddlesome and adventurous Englishman who chose to hide his identity under the pseudonym of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Chauvelin identified the ragged, starving servant of the slain revolutionary as his greatest foe, the Englishman known as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

_Chauvelin's moment of recognition sets the chapter's central conflict._

> He had seen the super-exquisite Sir Percy Blakeney locked up in a common cell with some of the most scrubby and abject rogues which the slums of indigent Paris could yield, having apparently failed in some undertaking which had demanded for its fulfilment not only tattered clothes and grimy hands, but menial service with a beggarly and disease-ridden employer, whose very propinquity must have been positive torture to the fastidious dandy.

Chauvelin savored the sight of the refined Sir Percy Blakeney imprisoned among the dregs of Paris, forced into degrading labor and proximity to a sickly master.

_Chauvelin's vindictive satisfaction underscores his personal hatred for the Pimpernel._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v
- 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