The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
XIII: Either—Or? explained
Marguerite Blakeney, having read a fragment of a message revealing the Scarlet Pimpernel's plan to meet at one o'clock, is torn between saving her brother Armand and betraying the mysterious hero.
What happens
Marguerite Blakeney, having read a fragment of a message revealing the Scarlet Pimpernel's plan to meet at one o'clock, is torn between saving her brother Armand and betraying the mysterious hero. She maintains a composed facade during the minuet, successfully allaying Sir Andrew Ffoulkes's suspicions, and later converses with the Prince of Wales about supper and her husband's luck at cards.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Marguerite is torn between her love for her brother Armand and the potential betrayal of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a noble stranger.
Secrecy and Trust
Marguerite hides her true emotions and knowledge from Sir Andrew, while the Scarlet Pimpernel's secret identity is at stake.
Courage and Risk
Marguerite must decide whether to risk her brother's life or her own moral integrity by betraying a brave man.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Struggles with the moral dilemma of betraying the Scarlet Pimpernel to save her brother Armand; masterfully conceals her turmoil during the minuet.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Leads the minuet with Marguerite; initially anxious about her knowledge but is reassured by her performance.
- Armand St. Just
Referenced as the brother whose life hangs in the balance, motivating Marguerite's internal conflict.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Mentioned indirectly as the Scarlet Pimpernel and as the Prince's subject with outrageous luck at cards.
- Lord Grenville
Implied as host of the ball where the minuet and supper take place.
Key passages
“The few words which Marguerite Blakeney had managed to read on the half-scorched piece of paper, seemed literally to be the words of Fate.”
The fragment Marguerite read felt like a decree of destiny.
Highlights the pivotal moment of discovery.
“In two hours she must make up her mind whether she will keep the knowledge so cunningly gained to herself, and leave her brother to his fate, or whether she will wilfully betray a brave man, whose life was devoted to his fellow-men, who was noble, generous, and above all, unsuspecting.”
Within two hours, she must decide: protect her brother or betray a selfless hero.
Captures the central moral conflict.
“Her self-control had been absolutely perfect—she was a finer actress at this moment, and throughout the whole of this minuet, than she had ever been upon the boards of the Comédie Française; but then, a beloved brother's life had not depended upon her histrionic powers.”
Her performance during the minuet surpassed any she had given on stage, driven by the stakes of her brother's life.
Emphasizes her emotional disguise.