# Terror or Ambition explained — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel

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

## What happens

Chauvelin confronts Theresia, alternating between veiled threats and promises of Robespierre's gratitude, leaving her torn between terror of the tribunal and ambition for power. She struggles with her feelings for Sir Percy Blakeney, then leaves the house, encountering the devoted Bertrand Moncrif outside.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Theresia is torn between the terror of the tribunal and the ambition of winning Robespierre's gratitude, which could elevate her to the heights of power.

### Deception and Disguise

Chauvelin admits to using forgery and lies to secure Theresia's help, justifying any means to serve France.

### Love and Loyalty

Bertrand's silent, devoted love contrasts with Theresia's conflicted feelings for Sir Percy and her pragmatic calculations.

## Character check-ins

### Citizen Chauvelin

Dictatorial and menacing, he threatens Theresia with the tribunal if she fails, but promises Robespierre's gratitude if they capture the Scarlet Pimpernel.

### Theresia Cabarrus

Torn between terror and ambition, she is haunted by her encounter with Sir Percy and fears the consequences of failure.

### Bertrand Moncrif

Watches the house devotedly, follows Theresia home, and silently suffers from unrequited love.

### Mother Théot

Shuffles about the apartment; Theresia asks her for a cloak and hood, and she warns Theresia not to despise Bertrand's love.

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Referenced through Theresia's memory of his laugh and mocking voice; he remains offstage.

## Key lines

> Vigilance! Incessant vigilance, night and day, is what your country demands of you now, citizeness! All our lives now depend upon our vigilance.

Chauvelin insists that Theresia must be constantly watchful, as their survival hinges on it.

_Chauvelin's opening threat, setting the tone of coercion._

> The only crime that is unjustifiable, citoyenne, is indifference.

Chauvelin argues that any crime is acceptable in service to France, except apathy.

_Chauvelin justifies his methods and warns Theresia against neutrality._

> If we capture the Scarlet Pimpernel this time, citizeness, Robespierre shall know from my lips that it is to you and to you alone that he owes this triumph over the enemy whom he fears above all.

Chauvelin promises that Robespierre will credit Theresia alone for the capture.

_The promise of reward that fuels Theresia's ambition._

> Despise no man's love, citoyenne. Even that poor vagabond's blind passion may yet prove thy salvation.

Mother Théot advises Theresia not to scorn Bertrand's devotion, as it might someday save her.

_Mother Théot's cryptic warning about Bertrand's role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvii-terror-or-ambition
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