The Scarlet Pimpernel

by Baroness Orczy

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Student Question

What is the definition of "dessinated" in Chapter 4 of The Scarlet Pimpernel?

Quick answer:

In Chapter 4, "dessinated" is derived from "destinate," meaning to destine, design, or choose. It refers to the design of a scarlet pimpernel, a small red flower symbolizing Sir Percy Blakeney and his League. Blakeney adopts the name "Scarlet Pimpernel" to conceal his true identity as an English aristocrat.

Expert Answers

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The word dessinated comes from the word destinate which means to destine, design or choose". The little red flower on the paper is a design of a scarlet pimpernel, a small red flower that becomes the symbol of Sir Percy Blakeney and his League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Blakeney also calls himself the Scarlet Pimpernel in order to disguise his real identity as an English aristocrat.

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