# Chapter VI explained — The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

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

## What happens

Chauvelin arranges for the transfer of the Scarlet Pimpernel (disguised as Paul Molé) to the Abbaye prison, confident in his capture but troubled by the prisoner's apathy. Hébert ensures tight security, but Chauvelin remains anxious about a possible escape attempt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolutionary Terror and Injustice

Chauvelin and Fouquier-Tinville plan a swift, summary execution without a fair trial, reflecting the arbitrary violence of the Revolution.

### Cunning and Wit

Chauvelin is troubled by the Scarlet Pimpernel's assumed apathy, suspecting a hidden plot or escape attempt.

## Character check-ins

### Citizen Chauvelin

Arranges the prisoner's transfer to the Abbaye, feels anxious and nervy about the Scarlet Pimpernel's apathy.

### Citizen Fouquier-Tinville

Notified by Chauvelin about the capture; instructed to expedite the prisoner's execution.

### Hébert

Commended for his zeal; personally guards the prisoner and ensures tight security at the Abbaye.

### The Scarlet Pimpernel

Imprisoned as Paul Molé, shows assumed apathy that puzzles Chauvelin; crouches dejectedly in his cell.

### Commissary Cuisinier

Dismisses the prisoner as not very dangerous, questioning Chauvelin's assessment.

## Key lines

> There goes the most dangerous enemy our glorious revolution has had.

Chauvelin declares the prisoner the greatest threat to the revolution.

_Chauvelin's triumphant remark to Cuisinier as the carriage departs._

> Set your mind at rest, citizen... That accursed Englishman has not been one second out of my sight, from the moment I arrested him in the late citizen Marat’s lodgings, and by Satan! he shall not be either, until I have seen his impudent head fall under the guillotine.

Hébert reassures Chauvelin that he has kept constant watch on the prisoner and will continue until execution.

_Hébert's vow to ensure the Scarlet Pimpernel cannot escape._

## Links

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