The Scarlet Pimpernel

Chapters 1-9

Reading Check

1. Sergeant Bibot (Chapter 1)

2. A letter describing the rescue with a little red pimpernel flower (Chapter 1)

3. Because he will not intervene in France (Chapter 3)

4. The Fisherman’s Rest (Chapter 3)

5. The Marquis de St Cyr (Chapter 4)

6. Sir Percy Blakeney (Chapter 6)

7. Discover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel (Chapter 8)

Short Answer

1. The peasantry is portrayed as bloodthirsty, enjoying the spectacle of beheading the aristocracy and enjoying the chase as nobles try to run and hide. There is some truth in Orczy’s portrayal of public executions, but Orczy may have a biased opinion based on her experience as a noble fleeing the Hungarian peasant revolution during her lifetime. (Chapter 1)

2. He posed as an old woman collecting hair from the victims of the guillotine and told the guard her grandson, who was traveling with her, was sick with smallpox or the plague. (Chapter 1)

3. Sir Percy is described as a foolish man who makes boring conversation but is generally well liked and fashionable.