The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
Dover: The Fisherman's Rest explained
The chapter introduces the bustling kitchen and coffee-room of the Fisherman's Rest inn in Dover, where Sally and the kitchen maids work under the grumbling eye of old Jemima.
What happens
The chapter introduces the bustling kitchen and coffee-room of the Fisherman's Rest inn in Dover, where Sally and the kitchen maids work under the grumbling eye of old Jemima. In the coffee-room, Mr. Jellyband holds forth on his loyal English opinions, denouncing French spies and revolutionaries. A stranger, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, engages him in good-humored banter, toasting Jellyband's loyalty while subtly mocking his prejudices.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The inn's bustling kitchen and coffee-room highlight the social roles of servants and patrons, while Jellyband's opinions reflect the class-based loyalties of English society.
Secrecy and Trust
The stranger's quiet amusement and Jellyband's bluster hint at hidden identities and the tension between open loyalty and secret allegiances.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Jellyband
The landlord of the Fisherman's Rest, a prosperous and opinionated man who loudly denounces French spies and revolutionaries.
- Miss Sally
Jellyband's buxom daughter, busy serving beer and managing the kitchen maids with good humor.
- Old Jemima
The stolid kitchen helper who grumbles while stirring the stockpot and filling tankards.
- Martha
One of the kitchen maids, giggling with her companion and earning Sally's irritation.
- Mr. Hempseed
A querulous customer who quotes Scripture and feebly protests Jellyband's accusations.
- Jimmy Pitkin
A thirsty customer in the coffee-room, impatient for his beer.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
A stranger at one of the tables, who listens with amusement and engages Jellyband in witty conversation.
Key passages
“What ho! Sally! hey, Sally!”
The customers call out impatiently for Sally to bring them more beer.
Shows the lively, informal atmosphere of the inn.
“Loyal Englishmen as we all are, we must admit that this at least is one good thing which comes to us from France.”
The stranger toasts Jellyband with French wine, acknowledging that not everything French is bad.
Highlights the ironic contrast between Jellyband's xenophobia and his enjoyment of French wine.