The Scarlet Pimpernel Group

Question:


killakami
Student
High School - 10th Grade

What are some conflicts in "The Scarlet Pimpernell" and how are they solved?

And if you can give me the page numbers of the conflicts i would appreciate it.

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Posted by killakami on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 10:49 AM and tagged with conflicts, pimpernell, resolutions, the scarlet pimpernel.

Answers:


  1. missblimey Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The main conflicts are between the Scarlet Pimpernell and the French authorities, represented by Chauvelin, and between SP and his wife.

    The first conflict stems from the fact that the SP's successes are embarrassing the French. Hence why they offer "five thousand francs" (p10) to whoever catches him. On SP's side his motive is save the innocent but one gets the sense he also enjoys being able to trick his adversaries. He particularly enjoys baiting Chauvelin - they are described as the "eagle and the fox" in one chapter heading which suggests that their conflict arises from their matched but utterly opposed wits. In the end the conflict is resolved in SP's favour when he tricks Chauvelin and makes him look a fool - leading to him not being "present at that or any other social function in London" ever again (p139).

    The conflict between Marguerite and her husband is rooted in misunderstandings - his that she betrayed a man to his death and hers that he no longer loves her. Percy's secret life as the SP pushes them further apart too - "the same love was there on both sides, but each now seemed to have a secret orchard into which the other would dare not penetrate" (p38). It is only once the misunderstandings are cleared up that the conflict can be resolved and they can live 'happily ever after' - "silence and joy for those who had endured so much suffering, yet found at last a great and lasting happiness" (p138).

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    Posted by missblimey on Thursday September 4, 2008 at 11:03 AM