The Scarlet PimpernelStudy GuideVocabularydegenerated – declined from the original intentionguillotine – a machine used during the French Revolution to behead peoplefaction – a group with similar beliefsaristocrats – people of noble birthnom de guerre – a fake name used to hide a person’s identity during warderived – taken fromintrigue – mysteryelusive – hard to catchfoppish – like a man who is very vain and only concerned with fashionardently – passionatelyswashbuckling – romantic and broad in scope

NoteVocabularyenraptured – captured the imaginationfarces – plays in which the action is ridiculousmelodramas – plays which depict exaggerated emotionsculmination – a collectiontheatricality – entertaining exaggerationpenchant – a preferencedisparaging – critical, demeaning

1. What influenced Baroness Orczy to write?2. What did she introduce in her early pieces?3. How many books did Orczy write?

Chapter I. Paris: September, 1792Vocabularysurging – moving as a group seething – angrynaught – nothing vile – uglytyrant – a cruel or brutal ruler ghastly – horriblefraternity – brotherhood carnage – slaughterdescendants – children, grandchildren, etc.Crusades – the religious wars fought in the Middle East during the 11th, 12th, and centuries

noblesse – rights of the nobility lustful – sinfuleffectual – successful lavish – extravaganthideous – awful aristos – [slang]

aristocratsendeavoured – tried evade – escapepretexts – lies ci-devant – disguised; false

marquises – titles of noblemen aghast – horrifi edsovereigns – rulers, kings sacér tonnerre – an oath, sacred thunderprey – a victim precursors – symptomswretches – poor people malady - an illnessmétres – measurements of distance hag – an old, poor womansatiety – satisfaction ghastly – horriblecitoyen – a citizen, common man mére – mother; the Virgin Marytraitorous – disloyal tumbrels – cartsBourbons – the French royal family En avant – bring forwardroyalists – people loyal to the throne sallies – outburstssingularly – extraordinarily execration – a curseasserted – believed morbleu – an oathunparalleled – without equal narrative – a storypluck – courage pompously – acting in a superior wayaudacity – boldness contempt – hatredelusive – unable to be caught; evasive

1. Find two examples of irony in this chapter.2. What is the setting of the opening chapter?3. Give examples of how the aritos tried to escape.4. Why did the aristocrats want to fl ee from Paris?5. What metaphor does the author use to describe the Bibot’s manner in catchingaristocrats?6. Give an example of Bibot’s cruelty.7. Describe how the author personifi es the guillotine.8. Who has become the greatest threat to the new government?9. How did they know when The Scarlet Pimpernel had masterminded an escape?10. Describe how the government was attempting to stop the Scarlet Pimpernel.11. In the opening, why did a large crowd gather at the West Gate?12. Describe how the Scarlet Pimpernel tricked Grospiere.13. Who did the Scarlet Pimpernel help to escape Paris?14. How did the Scarlet Pimpernel trick Bibot?

Chapter II. Dover: “The Fisherman’s Rest”Vocabularyjack – a skewerdeliberation – intentionsubdued – quietmethodically – slowly and carefullytankard – a muginherent – naturalbuxom – having a womanly shape; full-fi gurednotoriety – famecraze – fashionwitticism – a clever joke defalcations – thieverymincemeat – something cut into tiny piecesequanimity – calmnesshark – listensententiously – judgmentallylingo – languageassented – agreedretorted – answeredpreposterous – outrageousanent – aboutpungent – strong smellingportly – roundjovial – good naturedcountenance – an appearancepate – the headyeoman – a king’s guardchurchwarden – a clay pipebreeches – pantsrendezvous – a meetinghostel – a boarding housetorrents – massive amountsdeluged – fl oodedpersonage – an individualfoil – a person for contrast or counterpointcapacious – roomydejectedly – sadlynigh – almostincontestable – unable to be argued againstjackanapes – hoodlumsperemptory – demandingprecarious – inconsistent; dangerousquerulous – argumentativefeebly – weakly1. What is the setting of this chapter and how do you know?

2. How do we know that Mr. Jellyband, owner of the Fisherman’s Rest, is prosperous?3. Describe the mood in the tavern. Why is this important?4. Mr. Jellyband is expecting specifi c guests tonight. Who are they?S-7Chapter III. The RefugeesVocabularyindignity – humiliationadherents – friendseloquence – persuasive speecharduous – painful, diffi cultprudence – good judgmentmoderation – evennessadvent – an arrivalearnestness – sincerityanxiety – fear, concernmelancholy – sadnessbearing – the appearancevouch – to stand up forceremoniously – grandly, with a fl ourishprofuse – extremedeferentially – respectfullydivesting – removingyokels – peasantsrubicund – reddish in colorwench – a serving girltureen – a large vessel for holding soupejaculated – shoutedbustle – a commotion“the quality” – someone from the upper classfoppishly – overtly stylishreprobate – a scoundrel1. How do the English view the French Revolution?2. Describe Lord Anthony.S-83. Who is expected to arrive this evening?4. What is bothering Lord Anthony?5. Describe the attitude of the aristocrats when they arrive.6. What does the author mean when she says, “…two young people understood eachother”? (Pg. 20)7. Identify the aristocrats who have arrived from France.8. Why does Mr. Waite become angry?S-9Chapter IV. The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

Vocabularydire – extremeaffectation – phony, exaggerated behaviorinterposed – broke into a conversationveil – to hide, diminishperil – dangerovermaster – to overcome, changeimmeasurably – greatlyvehemence – strong feelingssolemn – serioustransfi gured – changeddessinated – printed (misprint in book – should be “designated”)incredulously – unbelievablysummarily – with great speedimplacable – stubborntribunal – a courtepistle – a letterenigmatical – quizzicalquaint – folksyunmerited – unfairleague – a group united for a specifi c purposefervently – emotionallytreachery – evilrife – abundantfraternity – a brotherhoodhaughty – arrogantdisdain – scorndenounced – spoke againstplebian – common, not nobleproverbial – known by allencased – wrapped1. Where did the stranger hide in the Inn?2. Why is Comtesse de Tournay sad?S-103. Does Lord Anthony mastermind the dangerous escapes of the aristocrats?4. What is a scarlet pimpernel?5. Why do these Englishmen risk their lives to save the French aristocrats?6. Does the Comtesse know the identity of the hag driving the cart on which she escaped?7. How many men are in league with the Scarlet Pimpernel?8. Who is Marguerite St. Just and what treachery has she committed?9. Who arrives at the conclusion of the chapter?S-11Chapter V. Marguerite

Vocabularyadmonished – scoldedzounds – an oath; curse [God’s blood]emphatic – feel stronglyhither – herethither – theresang-froid – calm appearance, poisesoupçon – a pinchintonation – the stress in a wordavert – to avoidDieu – an oath; Godcontemptible – hatefulpardieu – an oath; by Godextant – still existingundulating – wavingaureole – like a ring of lighteffusively – with great emotionapprehension – cautionhauteur – prideful attitudeconciliatory – peacefulvista – a viewscion – a branch ofinsolence – boldnessimpudence – rudenessgratuitous – unnecessaryfi chu – a neck scarf made of lacebeckoned – called forfi lial – related to familygait – walk, stridemimicry – an imitationshafts – arrows1. Identify the confl ict which opens this chapter.2. Why does Suzanne want to meet with Lady Blakeney?S-123. Describe Lady Blakeney.4. How does Lady Blakeney react when she sees the de Tournay family?5. Which social group did the aristocracy hate above all others and why?6. Who was Armand St. Just?7. What was the cause of St. Just’s feud?8. How does the Comtesse de Tournay greet Lady Blakeney?9. How does Lady Blakeney respond to this encounter?S-13Chapter VI. An Exquisite of ’92Vocabulary

exquisite – a dandy or fopchronicles – historical recordsperpetual – eternalBart. – abbreviation for baronetaver – to testifydébut – fi rst performancechaperoned – guardedcoterie – a grouptroublous – dangerous, troubledpivot – a turning point, hinge pointeccentricity – quirkiness, odd behaviorsoirée de contract – a wedding partydîner de fi ançailles – an engagement partyappurtenances – pieces or partsmalignantly – viciouslycosmopolitan – sophisticatedcovet – to desireonerous – diffi cultmajority – legal ageinanities – stupid or silly expressionsgilded – privileged, wealthyfêtes – partiesinevitable – expected; bound to happenimperturbable – unshakable, never changingbonhomie – good natureinimitable – unmatchableirreproachably – perfectlyincroyable – unbelievablelolled – walked slowlygravity – seriousnessplacidly – calmly, indifferentlyreparation – paymentbantam – a small person who is comically aggressiveabashed – ashamedimperturbably – not botheredinsolence – insultingcholeric – anger, bad temperenormity – hugenesscoquettishly – playfullyretorted – answered angrilyimpugn – to speak badly aboutpatronize – to utilizewhetted – sharpenedreconciliation – peacecontemptuous – hatefulkeener – sharper

S-141. Describe Sir Percy Blakeney. What kind of a character does he appear to be?2. Describe Lady Blakeney’s belief system.3. Why were Lady Blakeney’s friends in France shocked at her marriage?4. What does “golden key” mean? (Pg. 34)5. What did London society think of this marriage?S-156. Describe Sir Percy’s childhood.7. What does the young Viscomte de Tournay suggest?8. Sir Percy refuses to take part in a duel. What does the Viscomte think are Percy’sreasons?9. Why are they awaiting Armand St. Just?10. As the chapter ends what does Sir Andrew notice?S-16Chapter VII. The Secret OrchardVocabularyUtopia –a perfect societylofty – high mindedprudent – wise, carefulexonerated – proven innocentdisillusionment – sadnessbereft – stripped ofineradicably – steadfast, never changingvagaries – fl ights of fancy, imaginationwaning – diminishment, fadingforeboding – a premonition of the future1. How does Sir Percy’s absence foreshadow the discovery of the identity of the ScarletPimpernel?2. What was the purpose of the French Revolution?3. How do Marguerite and Armand feel about the Revolution?4. Marguerite believes that Sir Percy has turned against her and no longer loves her. Why?S-175. Why did Marguerite marry Percy in the fi rst place?6. What does Armand see as the turning point in Marguerite’s marriage?7. At the conclusion of the chapter the author refers back to the title of the chapter.Explain the image of the secret orchard.8. What did Armand feel he could not tell to Marguerite?S-18

Chapter VIII. The Accredited AgentVocabularypall – gloompropriety – proper behaviordecorum – good tastecravat – a neck scarfignominiously – dishonorablyreprisals – revengedoctrines – laws, beliefsanent - aboutrevelry – festivityunfeigned – genuineprepossessing – good fi rst impressionje n’ennuie – I am boredmon ami – my friendloth – not wanting (loath)consternation – fearennui – boredomidyllic – ideal, perfectpernicious – evilretorted – answered sharplyenigmatical – mysteriouspseudonym – a false nameémigrés – immigrantsculminating – concludingholocaust – destructionostentation – fame, rewardinsinuatingly – indirectly suggestingardour – passion (ardor)noisome – offensive, disgustingrebuke – an insult1. Give evidence that Sir Percy is not a complete fool.2. In the opening of the chapter, what is Marguerite thinking about?S-193. Why did Marguerite hate the M. de St. Cyr?4. Describe Marguerite’s involvement with the arrest of de St. Cyr.5. What crime was the Marquis de St. Cyr charged with?6. Who does Marguerite meet while walking back to the tavern?7. Why has Chauvelin come to England?8. What does Chauvelin want from Marguerite?9. What name was given to describe the French Government’s violent elimination ofaristocrats?S-2010. Who were the justiciaries of the government?11. How does Marguerite feel about the Revolution and the Scarlet

Pimpernel?12. What does Chauvelin plan to do once he has captured the Scarlet Pimpernel?13. How does Marguerite react to Chauvelin?14. How does Sir Percy serve as a foil for the character of the Scarlet Pimpernel?S-21Chapter IX. The OutrageVocabularyincessant – continualexpedition – a journeyreveled – celebratedsolitude – peacedexterous – skillfulruddy – reddishpiquant – attractivecheek – gall; insolenceingenuity – clevernesslurid – spookydecipher – to translate; make understandablepinioned – tieddastardly – cowardly1. Describe the mood established at the Inn in the beginning of this chapter.2. What are Sir Andrew and Sir Tony discussing?3. They discuss their next adventure and reveal to the reader previously unknowninformation. What important fact does the reader now discover?S-224. What new danger do they face?5. How did Chauvelin’s spy get into the tavern?6. Who is the leader of the spies?7. What has Chauvelin found and why is it important?S-23Chapter X. In the Opera BoxVocabularyaria – a solo performance in an operasuccumbed – gave in toscrutinized – investigated closelyapathetically – with disinterestà propos – timely, appropriateperversity – wrong attitudetirade – a long speech of reprimandent-acte – intermissionvagary – extravagance

mode – a stylecommencement – beginning g, progressionenthralled – fascinatedfêted – celebratedcongenial – friendly, warmwhither – wherejeunesse doree – a young group of people; popular crowdfeigned – pretendedvouchsafed – gaveplacidly – calmlyexigencies – demandsimpudence – rudenessindiscretion – an unwise actcognizance – knowledgethwart – to stopcoup – an attemptstrophe – lines or words of dialoguebravado – power, strengthurbanely – elegantlytethered – fastened, tiedanon – soontemporize – bargainrend – to giveimperiling – endangeringremonstrance – reprimandschapeau bras – hatau revoir – good-bye1. What is the setting at the opening of the chapter?S-242. Why does Lady Portarles reprimand the Comtesse?3. How does Marguerite respond to Chauvelin’s threat?4. Chauvelin is obviously a static character. What would be the appropriate term todescribe Armand?5. What bargain does Chauvelin offer to Marguerite?6. Chauvelin has acquired an important note. What information is in the note?7. What metaphor does Marguerite use to describe her situation?8. What bargain does Marguerite strike with Chauvelin?9. Marguerite is desperate. From whom does she feel she should be able to turn for help?10. What changes Marguerite’s mind?S-25Chapter XI. Lord Grenville’s BallVocabularyminuet – a popular dance

dispersed – sentirreproachable – fl awlessamenities – servicesannihilated – destroyedunwarrantably – improperindignation – ire; angerentice – luremajor-domo – a butler; stewardsuite – a group, companionscompatriots – fellows; friendsfl agrantly – openlyamiable – socialperchance – perhapssuffused – coveredexult – to rejoice1. Who is Lord Grenville?2. Why would Chavelin expect to be isolated at the ball?3. How was Chauvelin received by London society?4. Give three reasons why Chauvelin did not care about the social amenities.S-265. What promise had Chauvelin made to his colleagues in France?6. The Prince of Wales is not particularly welcoming to Chauvelin because of the Frenchgovernment. What changes his mind about Chauvelin?7. When the Prince is introduced to the Comtesse de Tournay there is an awkwardmoment. What has happened?8. What does the Prince ask Chauvelin?9. How do the English feel about the Scarlet Pimpernel?S-27Chapter XII. The Scrape of PaperVocabularydoggerel quatrain – a four lined poembon mot – a jokehazard – a card gameprosaic – dullbevy – a groupbohemian – unusualfatalist – a pessimistembrasures – an alcoveanonymity – obscuritymot d’ordre – passwordtête-à-tête – secret conversationboudoir – bedroomcavalier – a gentleman admirer

fatality – the outcometalisman – a good luck charmperusing – looking overimminent – immediatelurid – gaudygavotte – a type of musiccongé – a dismissaluntoward – unpleasantmete – to give outchastisement – punishmentvis-à-vis – the person in front of1. Describe Marguerite’s mood.2. Who has arrived late to the ball?S-283. What does Marguerite observe?4. How did Marguerite trick Sir Andrew?5. What additional distraction enables Marguerite to read the note?S-29Chapter XIII. Either – Or?Vocabularyormolu – a clock decorationallaying – relievinghistrionic – actingbillet doux – a love letterbanal - ordinary1. What was on the note?2. What confl ict does Marguerite face?3. At the end of the chapter, who is the Prince asking for?S-30Chapter XIV. One O’clock Precisely!Vocabularyrepartees – conversationswags – gossipscuisine – cookingepoch – a time periodincessant – never endingindefatigable – never tiringextricate – to get awaydiscourse – a conversationperforce – necessarilyemissaries – messengersaudacity – daringimprudent – unwisewoebegone – abandoned, sadrecherché – unusual

benignly – kindlyaudacious – outrageousimplacable – mercilesssobriquet – name1. Describe the setting Chauvelin fi nds in the supper-room.2. Who does Chauvelin fi nd in the supper-room?S-31Chapter XV. DoubtVocabularysuccumb – at the mercycontredanse – type of danceailing – illportico – porch1. What confl icting thoughts consume Marguerite?2. Did Chauvelin fi nd the Scarlet Pimpernel?S-32Chapter XVI. RichmondVocabularydelinquencies – shortcomingsbuffeted – pushed aroundpalatial – grand, like a palaceestrangement – division, separationbalustrade – a railingreminiscences – memorieshomage – honorobstinacy – stubbornnesssuppliant – a beggarentreat – to beg; pleadbeget – createodious – hideousduped – trickedlanguid – indifferentfoibles – characteristicsdormant – sleepinglacqueys – servantssomnolent – sleepypunctilious – perfect, correctdivined – fi gured outcaprice – a whimobstinacy – stubbornness1. What simile does the author use to describe the river?2. What is Marguerite remembering?3. What does Marguerite believe is the source of Percy’s short comings?S-33

4. What is the similarity in Marguerite’s connection to both the M. de St. Cyr and theScarlet Pimpernel?5. What question does Marguerite ask Percy?6. Why did Percy stop loving her?7. What inner confl ict does Percy fi ght?8. How does Marguerite answer Percy’s accusation?9. While looking at Percy, what does Marguerite suddenly realize?10. What has kept Percy from Marguerite?S-3411. What story does Marguerite tell Percy?12. What new danger does Marguerite tell Percy about?13. What promise does Percy make?14. While she is confessing, why does Marguerite not tell Percy about the deal withChauvelin?15. If she had turned back to Sir Percy after her exit, what might she have witnessed?S-35Chapter XVII. FarewellVocabularyspurned – turned awaynonchalance – indifferenceimbued – infl uenced bypresentiment – a fearsolicitude – concern1. What two facts does Marguerite come to realize?2. What does Marguerite decide to do?3. What awakens Marguerite?4. What does Marguerite discover?5. What does the note say?6. What about this note does Marguerite fi nd strange?7. When Marguerite stops Percy from leaving, what reason does he give for his trip?S-36Chapter XVIII. The Mysterious DeviceVocabularyconjecture – a guesschaffed – teasedperturbed – annoyedirresolute – unsure1. Where has Percy gone?2. What secret place does Marguerite enter?3. What surprises Marguerite about the study?4. What conclusion does she reach?

5. Besides the portrait, what else does Marguerite notice?6. What important clue does Marguerite fi nd on the fl oor?S-37Chapter XIX. The Scarlet PimpernelVocabularychèrie – a term of endearmentpropitiate – to persuade, appeasedevilry – jokingashen – greyhindrance – obstaclepoignancy – passionefface – to removeremorse – regretpaltry – trivialwary – carefulraiment – clothing1. What does Marguerite remember about Chauvelin?2. Who will help the Comte to escape from France?3. What does Marguerite fi nally fi gure out?4. Why had Percy kept his identity a secret from Marguerite?S-385. Marguerite receives a letter from Chauvelin. Why is this important?6. Is only the Scarlet Pimpernel in danger at the hands of Chauvelin?7. What mission will Marguerite now under take?S-39Chapter XX. The FriendVocabularycourier – a messengervestige – a hintfaculty – means, ability1. What does Marguerite ask of Sir Andrew?2. What is Sir Andrew’s reaction to her request?3. What further humiliation must Marguerite face?4. Sir Andrew warns Marguerite of the risks she is taking. How does she respond?5. What is Marguerite’s plan?6. At this time, what does Marguerite fi nd ironic?S-40Chapter XXI. SuspenseVocabularydastardly – villainousdulcet – pleasantassignation – a secret meetingalacrity – enthusiasmquandary – a dilemma

sedulously – diligently1. What misconception worries Mr. Jellyband?2. As she waits for Sir Andrew, what does Marguerite fear?3. What humorous thought comes to Marguerite?4. What problem has arisen?S-415. What is Sir Andrew really telling Marguerite when he says, “no one could possibly putout of Dover to-night?” (Pg. 137)6. What does Sir Andrew suggest and how does Marguerite respond?7. How does Sir Andrew entertain Marguerite?8. What does the author suggest about the sea?S-42Chapter XXII. CalaisVocabularyabate – to stopperfunctory – ordinaryimpedimenta – baggagetricolor cockade – a piece of three color ribbon knotted into a badgecountenance – facebourgeois – a merchant, middle classperemptorily – forcefullyfaggots – a bundle of sticksincontinently – quicklyrôle – a part, positionsuperciliously – arrogantlyscrag – to wring someone’s necklaconically – lazilysurly – roughlycatechized – scoldedservility – politenessvoilà – there; I understand: It is sovoyons – hooligans1. What is the situation in the morning when Marguerite arises?2. Why were Sir Andrew and Marguerite able to walk through the port city of Calaisunbothered?S-433. What was the Chat Gris?4. Describe the inside of the Chat Gris.5. Describe how Marguerite and Andrew are treated inside the inn.6. What news do they discover of Sir Percy?S-44Chapter XXIII. HopeVocabulary

glee – happinesswhence – from wherecuré – a priestemissaries – representativesdogged – hauntedimminence – closenessimpasse – an impossible situationreconnaissance – information gathering, scouting1. What warning does Sir Andrew give to Marguerite?2. Why is Sir Andrew worried?3. What were the plans?4. Why is Percy now in danger?5. In her rush to save Percy, what has Marguerite forgotten?6. What comparison does the author use to describe the relationship between Margueriteand Sir Andrew?7. What have Sir Andrew and Marguerite decided to do by the end of the chapter?S-45Chapter XXIV. The Death-TrapVocabularyServiette – a dish towelefface – to denysoutane – priestly clothingobsequiousness – fawning; like a servantimplicitly – exactlygamut – the range1. What does Marguerite observe Brogard doing?2. Who does Marguerite see enter the inn?3. Who has come with Chauvelin?4. What is Chauvelin’s plan?S-465. Why is Chauvelin’s plan so clever and so deadly?6. Identify the literary allusion used by the author on page 159.7. Why is it ironic that Chauvelin is compared to Satan?8. What other image does the author use to describe the situation?9. In her desperation, what is Marguerite’s last hope?S-47Chapter XXV. The Eagle and the FoxVocabularynonplussed – confusedfortitude – courageimpudence – nerveantagonist – an opponentdébonnaire – gallant

1. Describe Sir Percy’s demeanor when he enters the inn.2. How does Sir Percy escape?3. Explain the title of this chapter.Chapter XXVI. The JewVocabularyingenious – clevernil – nothinggaberdine – a robedeign – consentmalicious – wickednag – an old horseaddle – confuseinterlocutor – a speakerabject – hopelesshors de combat – disabled1. This chapter, more so than any other, gives a picture of exactly how evil Chauvelinactually is. Give two examples of Chauvelin’s despicable nature.S-48Chapter XXVII. On the TrackVocabularyubiquitous – ever presentamalekite – a member of the tribe of Amalek and hostile to Israelquery – questionaperture – holecowered – hid1. Chauvelin leaves to fi nd the Scarlet Pimpernel in a cart with the Jew. What doesMarguerite do now?2. What should the reader infer from the statement, “Chauvelin had, in any case, fullymade up his mind that all intervention should come too late?” (Pg.178)3. What is the status of the characters by the end of the chapter?Chapter XXVIII. The Pére Blanchard’s HutVocabularymarauders – criminalsindomitable – toughprecipitous –steepbanal – dull1. What is Marguerite’s state of mind?2. By the end of the chapter, who is in control?S-49Chapter XXIX. TrappedVocabularyvestige – a trace

pall – a covering1. Describe the situation in the opening of the chapter.2. What is Marguerite’s dilemma?3. What bright sign of hope appears at the very end of the chapter?S-50Chapter XXX. The SchoonerVocabularyague – a type of fever1. What decision does Marguerite make?2. What inner confl ict is Marguerite fi ghting?3. What surprise awaits Chauvelin and his men within the hut?4. Why did Chauvelin’s men allow Armand and the others to escape?5. Although the men escape, what hope does Chauvelin harbor?6. What does Chauvelin fi nd inside the hut?7. What is Chauvelin’s plan?S-51Chapter XXXI. The EscapeVocabularyturmoil – chaosremorse – regretreprobate – a rascalcircuitous – roundaboutpreconcerted – agreed, chosensinews – tendons1. Where has Sir Percy been hiding all along?2. What was Percy plan and why was it so successful?3. What is the fate of the Scarlet Pimpernel?