The Scarlet Pimpernel - Essay

Gali Weissman The Scarlet Pimpernel Essay Conflict. What is a conflict? A conflict is a “competitive or opposing action”, quotes the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy, is a historical narrative which consists of several diverse conflicts and resolutions. The story takes place during the French Revolution, an uprising of the French citizens trying to destroy anyone who is an ally with an aristocrat. Like most revolutions, it is full of chaos and bloodshed. In the year 1792, during the revolution, someone unidentified is saving these people. The name given to this cunning, secret hero is, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The Scarlet Pimpernel is an alias for Sir Percy Blankeney. Lady Marguerite is the wife of Sir Percy, and both of them are trying to fight against their French enemy, Chauvelin. One major conflict in The Scarlet Pimpernel is between Sir Percy Blakeney and Lady Marguerite. There is something that prevents their marriage from being solid and strong; this barrier is their lack of trust and stubbornness. When Sir Percy hears rumors about Marguerite killing the St. Cyr family, Marguerite admits what she did but without an explanation. Because of this, Sir Percy stays away and acts coldly toward her. Therefore, Marguerite is nasty and mocks him. As a result, Sir Percy does not think he is able to trust her with his secret of being the Scarlet Pimpernel. After a while, Marguerite needs help with saving her dear brother and also wants to be cherished by her husband again. Marguerite finally explains the reason for getting them killed to Sir Percy. Sir Percy, without showing it, loves her once again and he sees how loyal Marguerite really is.

The conflict between Chauvelin and the Scarlet Pimpernel/Sir Percy is also a main element of the novel. Chauvelin is trying to identify the Scarlet Pimpernel and then capture him. This is exceedingly difficult for Chauvelin because the Scarlet Pimpernel knows how to hide his