The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Outrage explained
On a starlit night, Sir Percy Blakeney drives Marguerite away from Dover.
What happens
On a starlit night, Sir Percy Blakeney drives Marguerite away from Dover. Meanwhile, at the Fisherman's Rest, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and Lord Antony Dewhurst discuss a successful rescue mission by the Scarlet Pimpernel, who disguised as an old market woman to escort the Comtesse de Tournay and her children out of France. They also discuss a new threat: the Republican agent Chauvelin, who is determined to uncover the Pimpernel's identity. As they read secret instructions by the fire, a hidden figure emerges from under a bench. The two young men are suddenly attacked, gagged, and bound by masked men. The masked leader, revealed to be Chauvelin, steals their papers, including a letter from Armand St. Just, and vows to use Marguerite Blakeney to find the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Trust
The league's secret operations and the need for discretion are highlighted; the attack occurs because the young men fail to notice a hidden spy.
Courage and Risk
The Scarlet Pimpernel's daring disguises and the dangerous rescue missions undertaken by the league are discussed, emphasizing the constant risk of capture.
Identity and Disguise
The Scarlet Pimpernel's disguise as an old market woman is recounted, and Chauvelin's masked attack underscores the theme of hidden identities.
Characters to notice
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Discusses the recent rescue mission and secret league business with Lord Tony; is attacked and kidnapped by Chauvelin's men.
- Lord Tony Dewhurst
Meets with Sir Andrew to discuss the Scarlet Pimpernel's plans; is struck and captured during the ambush.
- Chauvelin
Leads the masked attack on Sir Andrew and Lord Tony; steals their papers and vows to use Marguerite to find the Scarlet Pimpernel.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Departs Dover with Sir Percy; is mentioned by Chauvelin as a target for manipulation.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Drives Marguerite away from Dover; is the Scarlet Pimpernel, though his identity remains hidden from the other characters in this chapter.
- Armand St. Just
A letter from him is stolen by Chauvelin, who misinterprets it as evidence of treason.
Key passages
“He drove them right through a line of soldiery and a yelling mob, who were screaming, '√А bas les aristos!' But the market cart got through along with some others, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, in shawl, petticoat and hood, yelled ' √А bas les aristos! ' louder than anybody.”
He drove the cart past soldiers and a shouting crowd that was cursing the aristocracy. The cart passed through with others, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, disguised in a shawl, skirt, and hood, shouted the same insults even more loudly than anyone else.
Describes the Scarlet Pimpernel's bold disguise and audacity during the escape of the Comtesse de Tournay.
“This Chauvelin has brought a whole army of spies with him, and until the chief has sampled the lot, he thinks we should meet as seldom as possible on the business of the league, and on no account should talk to each other in public places for a time.”
Chauvelin has brought many spies, so the leader wants us to meet rarely and never discuss league business in public until he has assessed the threat.
Highlights the increased danger from Chauvelin's espionage and the league's need for caution.
“A figure had emerged from under one of the benches; with snakelike, noiseless movements it crept closer and closer to the two young men, not breathing, only gliding along the floor, in the inky blackness of the room.”
A person who had been hiding under a bench moved silently and stealthily toward the two men through the dark room.
Describes the spy's hidden presence and the stealth of the ambush.
