# Rascality Rejoices explained — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v-rascality-rejoices
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters