The Fisherman's Rest explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Heroism and Self-Sacrifice

  Sir Percy Blakeney and his League risk their lives repeatedly to rescue innocent victims of the Revolution, embodying selfless heroism.

• Class and Society

  The chapter contrasts the aristocratic refugees and the English innkeeper and his customers, highlighting class distinctions and English insularity.

• Innocence vs. Corruption

  The peaceful, traditional life at The Fisherman's Rest stands in stark opposition to the corrupt and violent revolutionary regime in France.

Characters to notice

• Sir Percy Blakeney

  Referred to as the Scarlet Pimpernel, he is the chief of the League, risking his life to save victims of the Revolution, while enjoying brief moments of bliss with his wife.

• Marguerite Blakeney

  Described as Sir Percy's exquisite wife, who finds solace in his arms after days of anxiety and terror for his safety.

• Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

  A faithful and devoted lieutenant of the Scarlet Pimpernel, part of the expedition that rescued Madame de Serval and others.

• Lord Tony

  A loyal lieutenant of the Scarlet Pimpernel, he participates in the rescue mission and later kisses Mistress Sally at the inn.

• Lord Anthony Dewhurst

  Mentioned as part of the expedition that brought Madame de Serval and others safely to England.

• Master Jellyband

  The portly host of The Fisherman's Rest, who holds strong opinions on the French Revolution and welcomes the quality guests.

• Mistress Sally Waite

  The capable and sharp-tongued daughter of Master Jellyband, who manages the inn's kitchen and serves the customers.

• Mr. Hempseed

  A regular customer who quotes Scripture and debates politics with Master Jellyband from his corner in the inglenook.

Key passages

• “They knew that within a day or two—within a few hours, perhaps—Blakeney would tear himself away once more from the clinging embrace of his exquisite wife, from the comfort of luxury of an ideal home, from the adulation of friends, the pleasures of wealth and of fashion, in order mayhap to grovel in the squalor and filth of some outlandish corner of Paris, where he could be in touch with the innocents who suffered—the poor, the terror-stricken victims of the merciless revolution.”

  Sir Percy would soon leave his comfortable life and loving wife to risk everything in Paris, helping the innocent victims of the brutal revolution.

  Highlights the theme of self-sacrifice and the contrast between his domestic bliss and dangerous missions.

• “The Fisherman’s Rest stood where it had done for two centuries and long before thrones had tottered and anointed heads fallen on the scaffold. The oak rafters, black with age, the monumental hearth, the tables and high-backed benches, seemed like mute testimonies to good order and to tradition, just as the shiny pewter mugs, the foaming ale, the brass that glittered like gold, bore witness to unimpaired prosperity and an even, well-regulated life.”

  The inn had remained unchanged for centuries, symbolizing stability and tradition, in stark contrast to the revolutionary chaos in France.

  Emphasizes the theme of innocence vs. corruption and the stability of England versus the upheaval in France.

• “Believe me, Mr. Jellyband was in no two minds about “them murderin’ furriners over yonder” who had done away with their King and Queen and all their nobility and quality, and whom England had at last decided to lick into shape.”

  Mr. Jellyband had strong opinions about the French revolutionaries, whom he saw as murderers, and believed England should defeat them.

  Reflects the insular and patriotic views of the English common people regarding the French Revolution.