Dis Guise (Dĭs Gīz), V.T. Fr. OF., Fr. Des- (Fr. L. Dis-) + Guise Guise. 1. to Change

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Disguise

dis·guise’ (dĭs·gīz), v.t. [fr. OF., fr. des- (fr. L. dis-) + guise guise.] 1. To change the dress or looks of,

so as to conceal one’s identity or to resemble another person. 2. To hide the true nature of by

some change in looks, quality, flavor, or the like; to cloak; mask. – Syn. See DISSEMBLE.

-- n. 1. Clothing put on to conceal one’s identity; specif., a player’s or masker’s costume.

2. Any outward form which does not represent the true nature of a person or thing.

I. The Scarlet Pimpernel uses disguise both in order to protect himself from detection in Paris while he

accomplishes his mission and also to hide his identity at home. What makes a good disguise? When

is it useful? When is it devious?

II. Think about popular action characters who use disguise, such as Zorro, Batman, Wonder Woman,

Superman, or The Joker. What does a person gain by using a disguise? What are the dangers of

disguise? How do the best disguises draw on the preconceptions or prejudices of people?

III. Why would one wish to camouflage themselves – either in part or whole? Explain specifically.

IV. Create a scenario in which a disguise of your own design works . . . wickedly well.

The motive for the disguise need not be devious; however, it must work flawlessly.

V. Create a foldable in your composition book for the various disguises of or within The Scarlet Pimpernel, a

hero of your own, and you.

Disguises . . .

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Dominoes

Have you ever lined up dominoes in elaborate formations and then knocked them all down by pushing the first

domino? The first one falls and knocks the second one down, which falls and knocks the third one down – starting a

chain reaction that winds its way all the way through the dominoes until none is left standing. In a way, the plot of

the novel in that “A” happens, which causes “B” to happen, which in turn causes “C” to happen – a process that con-

tinues until the reader reaches the denouement. Using your observations about dominoes from our activities in class,

please respond to the following prompts and questions below keeping in mind that your observations are true and

unique; as always, defend your position with textual evidence – or proof in the form of citations from the novel.

I. Create a dramatic structure of the novel using dominoes. On each domino write a key event in the chain that

leads to the denouement. As in our class activities, an elaborate formation is necessary to convey the intricate

path of the plot that ensues in the novel. *Remember when we purposefully chose a way to knock down all of

the dominoes? Consider the outcomes you observed then both as the inventor(author) and a player(character).

Hint: Spin-outs, curves, face-offs, confusion, and calamity were often the order of the day!

II. Esprit de corps – noun devotion for each other among members of a group, especially in times of mortal danger.

Create a visual that boldly explains this concept in relation to the novel. Write an analogy for the league and

a scarlet pimpernel of your choice.

III. Lastly, using the lone scarlet domino, create a place for it as the one and only domino that could not be

conquered.

Dominoes . . .