The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Cataclysm explained
On the 8th Thermidor, Robespierre's list of forty names spreads panic among his opponents.
What happens
On the 8th Thermidor, Robespierre's list of forty names spreads panic among his opponents. The next day, his speech demanding death for traitors is met with initial applause, but Tallien's bold opposition sparks a revolt. After a dramatic confrontation, the Convention decrees Robespierre accused, marking his fall.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Robespierre's dictatorial ambition and the desperate struggle of his opponents to survive.
Revolution and Tyranny
The Convention's revolt against Robespierre's tyranny, embodying the revolutionary cycle.
Heroism and Self-Sacrifice
Tallien's sudden courage, risking his life to defy the tyrant for love and liberty.
Characters to notice
- Robespierre
Dictator of France, delivers a threatening speech, is decreed accused after Tallien's defiance.
- Tallien
Leads the opposition against Robespierre, emboldened by a message from Theresia written in blood.
- Theresia Cabarrus
Arrested, sends a desperate message to Tallien from prison, motivating his courage.
- Armand St. Just
Attempts to speak for Robespierre but is drowned out by Tallien's call for truth.
- Henriot
Commandant of the Municipal Guard, part of Robespierre's plan to enforce sovereignty.
Key passages
“Forty names! Found on a list in the pocket of Robespierre’s coat! Forty names! And every one of these that of a known opponent of Robespierre’s schemes of dictatorship”
A list of forty opponents was discovered in Robespierre's coat, all known enemies of his dictatorship.
Sets the stage for the panic and the ensuing revolt.
“Robespierre mounts the tribune. The hour has struck. His speech is one long, impassioned, involved tirade, full at first on vague accusations against the enemies of the Republic and the people, and is full of protestations of his own patriotism and selflessness.”
Robespierre gave a passionate speech accusing vague enemies and proclaiming his own virtue.
Highlights his rhetorical strategy and the tension in the Convention.
“Citizen Tallien has demanded 'delay in printing that speech,' and asked pertinently: 'What has become of the Liberty of Opinion in this Convention?'”
Tallien called for a delay in printing the speech and questioned the state of free speech in the assembly.
The turning point where opposition becomes open.
“And from beneath his coat he draws a dagger and raises it above his head. 'And I will plunge this into his heart,' he cries, 'if you have not the courage to smite!'”
Tallien pulled out a dagger and vowed to kill Robespierre himself if others lacked the nerve.
Dramatic act that ignites the revolt.
“The next moment the voice of an obscure Deputy is raised, in order to speak the words that have been hovering on every lip: 'I demand a decree of accusation against Robespierre!'”
An unknown deputy called for a formal accusation against Robespierre, echoing the crowd's sentiment.
The final step in Robespierre's downfall.
