The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
Mice and Men explained
Theresia Cabarrus, driven by ambition and remorse, consults Mother Théot after returning from England.
What happens
Theresia Cabarrus, driven by ambition and remorse, consults Mother Théot after returning from England. She conspired with Chauvelin to abduct Lady Blakeney as a decoy for the Scarlet Pimpernel, but now regrets her actions. Theresia dreams of Robespierre's gratitude and power, while spurning Bertrand Moncrif. She pressures Tallien to act against Robespierre, but he hesitates. Meanwhile, Chauvelin meets with Mother Théot, discussing the coalheaver Rateau, who may be in league with the English. A mysterious laugh unnerves them, hinting at the Scarlet Pimpernel's presence.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Theresia's ambition drives her to consult Mother Théot and scheme for influence over Robespierre and Tallien.
Deception and Disguise
Chauvelin and Theresia conspire to trap the Scarlet Pimpernel; the mysterious laugh suggests hidden identities.
Innocence vs. Corruption
Theresia's remorse contrasts with her corrupt actions; Marguerite Blakeney is an innocent pawn in a cruel plot.
Characters to notice
- Theresia Cabarrus
Consults Mother Théot out of ambition and remorse; regrets abducting Lady Blakeney but continues scheming for power.
- Citizen Chauvelin
Uses Theresia for his own ends; meets Mother Théot to discuss Rateau and is unnerved by a mysterious laugh.
- Bertrand Moncrif
Returns to Paris with Theresia, realizing he was merely a tool; now spurned and humiliated.
- Tallien
Theresia's lover; she pushes him to seize power from Robespierre, but he counsels prudence.
- Mother Théot
The witch consulted by Theresia; meets with Chauvelin and discusses Rateau's activities.
- Citizen Rateau
Asthmatic coalheaver who frequents Mother Théot; suspected of being in touch with the English.
Key passages
“It was on her return from England that Theresia Cabarrus took to consulting the old witch in the Rue de la Planchette, driven thereto by ambition, and also no doubt by remorse.”
After coming back from England, Theresia began visiting Mother Théot, motivated by both ambition and guilt.
Introduces Theresia's conflicted state and her reliance on the witch.
“Theresia, who had plunged headlong into this shameful crime, would a few days later have given much to undo the harm she had wrought.”
Theresia quickly regretted her part in the abduction and wished she could reverse the damage.
Highlights her remorse after the fact.
“While Robespierre lives, no man's head is safe. Every rival, sooner or later, becomes a victim.”
Theresia argues that as long as Robespierre is alive, everyone who opposes him is in danger of execution.
Shows her fear of Robespierre and her push for decisive action.
“One touch of a firm finger against that manikin, I tell you, and he will fall as dust before you; and you can rise upon that same elusive pedestal—popularity, to the heights which he hath so easily attained.”
Theresia claims that Robespierre's power is fragile and that Tallien could easily overthrow him and gain popularity.
Her attempt to persuade Tallien to act against Robespierre.
“Rateau is no starveling. Many an English gold piece hath he given me.”
Mother Théot reveals that Rateau, despite his poor appearance, has paid her with English coins.
Suggests Rateau's connection to the Scarlet Pimpernel.
