The Scarlet Pimpernel Reading Questions
1. Why does the novel open with the scene at the barricades of the city of Paris?
2. How has the Scarlet Pimpernel managed to elude the guards?
3. Why is it ironic that Bibot thinks he will be the one to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel?
4. The scene at The Fisherman’s Rest in Dover stands in sharp contrast to the first chapter in Paris. Why? What does Orczy intend to convey about the differences between the English and French?
5. How are the aristocratic De Tourney family contrasted with the English? For example, contrast the behavior of Comtesse de Tournay with Lady Blakeney when they meet.
6. Why does Lord Antony say that the band of the Scarlet Pimpernel engage in their dangerous work for sport? What is his motive?
7. Explain Marguerite’s behavior when she enters the inn and finds the De Tournay family.
8. What does Sir Percy do to confirm the common assumption that he is stupid?
9. What has prevented Marguerite from explaining her role in the denunciation of St. Cyr to Percy?
10. How does Marguerite feel about her husband now that they are estranged?
11. How does Marguerite react when Chauvelin asks for help to unmask the Scarlet Pimpernel?
12. Why is Chauvelin not disappointed when Marguerite at first refuses to help him?
13. What is Marguerite’s dilemma when she realizes her brother is in danger?
14. Why doesn’t Marguerite confide in her husband?
15. What are Marguerite’s conflicting thoughts when she gives Chauvelin information that may help him discover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel?
16. How does the ordeal she has just endured change Marguerite’s feelings about her husband?
17. Why doesn’t Percy respond to his wife’s overtures? What do we learn about his motivation for treating her coldly? How does he truly feel about her?
18. What does Marguerite realize about her relationship with her husband? How does she plan to act in the future? Why?
19. How does Marguerite feel when she realizes the truth about her husband?
20. Why does Marguerite want to risk all for her husband, even her own death?
21. How does the host of the Chat Gris treat his guests? What does his behavior show about the changes that have occurred in France since the Revolution? How does he treat Chauvelin? Why?
22. What does Percy use to upset Chauvelin? How does he get away from him? What does Percy realize he has to do if he is going to save the refugees?
23. Why does Marguerite keep quiet throughout the ordeal? Why does she follow the band into the night?
24. Why do Chauvelin’s plans backfire?