The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
XXII: Calais explained
Marguerite and Sir Andrew Ffoulkes endure a stormy day in Dover before finally crossing to Calais.
What happens
Marguerite and Sir Andrew Ffoulkes endure a stormy day in Dover before finally crossing to Calais. Upon landing, Marguerite is struck by the fearful, distrustful atmosphere of revolutionary France. Sir Andrew leads her through the dark, muddy streets to the squalid Chat Gris inn, where they encounter the surly innkeeper Brogard and his ragged wife. Despite the filth and hostility, Marguerite steels herself for the mission to find Percy.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Risk
Marguerite's journey to Calais, despite the storm and her fear of Chauvelin's spies, demonstrates her courage and willingness to risk danger for Percy.
Secrecy and Trust
Sir Andrew and Marguerite must maintain their disguises and trust each other implicitly as they navigate a hostile environment where every person could be a spy.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Endures a sleepless night and a day of anxious waiting in Dover, then crosses to Calais with Sir Andrew. She is horrified by the squalor of the Chat Gris inn but remains resolute.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Accompanies Marguerite to Calais, disguised as her lackey. He arranges the crossing, leads her through the streets, and tries to make the inn's meager provisions palatable.
- Brogard
The surly, heavily built innkeeper of the Chat Gris. He wears a red cap with tricolor cockade, speaks contemptuously of the English, and grudgingly serves soup and wine.
Key passages
“Every man nowadays was a spy upon his fellows: the most innocent word uttered in jest might at any time be brought up as a proof of aristocratic tendencies, or of treachery against the people.”
In revolutionary France, everyone suspected everyone else; a casual joke could be twisted into evidence of aristocratic sympathies or treason.
Highlights the pervasive distrust and paranoia of the Reign of Terror.
“The whole of this sordid abode was dimly lighted by an evil-smelling oil-lamp, which hung from the rickety rafters of the ceiling. It all looked so horribly squalid, so dirty and uninviting, that Marguerite hardly dared to cross the threshold.”
The inn was filthy and poorly lit, with a foul odor, making Marguerite hesitate to enter.
Emphasizes the grim conditions Marguerite endures for her mission.