The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
Rascality Rejoices explained
Bertrand Moncrif delivers a fiery denunciation of Robespierre's tyranny at a Fraternal Supper, risking his life and those of his companions.
What happens
Bertrand Moncrif delivers a fiery denunciation of Robespierre's tyranny at a Fraternal Supper, risking his life and those of his companions. He is knocked down by the asthmatic citizen Rateau, while the crowd's reaction underscores the oppressive atmosphere of revolutionary Paris.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Tyranny
Bertrand's speech directly condemns Robespierre as a tyrant, highlighting the tension between revolutionary ideals and oppressive reality.
Heroism and Self-Sacrifice
Bertrand courts martyrdom with his reckless oratory, lashing himself into a fury of self-sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Bertrand Moncrif
Delivers a passionate speech against Robespierre's tyranny at the Fraternal Supper, courting danger and martyrdom.
- Régine de Serval
Watches in terror as Bertrand's reckless speech threatens their lives, envisioning the guillotine.
- Joséphine
Clinging to Régine for courage, she is part of Bertrand's group at the supper.
- Jacques de Serval
Defiant young face, glorying in martyrdom, present at the supper.
- Madame de Serval
Drooping like a faded flower, bereft of her children's nearness.
- Citizen Rateau
Asthmatic citizen who knocks Bertrand down with a blow to the head, silencing his tirade.
Key passages
“Shame on the people of France for bowing their necks to such monstrous tyranny.”
Bertrand accuses the French people of submitting to tyranny.
Highlights the theme of revolution and tyranny.
“Your bodies, citizens, your freedom, your wives, your children, are all slaves, the property, the toys of one man—real tyrant and traitor, the oppressor of the weak, the enemy of the people; and that man is—”
Bertrand declares that the people are enslaved by a single tyrant, implicitly Robespierre.
Directly challenges Robespierre's authority.
“A terrific blow on the head deprived him of speech and of sight.”
Rateau knocks Bertrand unconscious with a powerful blow.
Ends Bertrand's speech and underscores the violent suppression of dissent.