Chauvlein and the Scarlet Pimpernel

In the mystery novel The Scarlet Pimpernel, Baroness Emmuska Orczy describes how two leaders guide their men. Chauvelin was sent to harm others, but the Scarlet Pimpernel did his best for the people of France. Though both Chauvelin and the Scarlet Pimpernel were leaders, they had quite different characters and opposite outcomes to their actions.

Chauvelin was the head of a group of French soldiers who were ordered to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel. He was described as having a “clever, shrewd-looking personality” (65) and a “fox-like expression” (65). These descriptions make it clear that he was a malevolent person. He was manipulative, especially toward those he wanted to exploit for his benefit. One example is the blackmail he uses on the wife of Sir Percy, Marguerite. On the other hand, the Scarlet Pimpernel saved the lives of the persecuted aristocrats. He was trying to rescue the Count de Tournay and his family by personally risking his life and the lives of his men, going to France to take the Count and bring him to his already rescued family. Percy was a kind, intelligent, and orderly man (151). To protect his identity from everyone, including his wife, he pretended to be a foolish and stupid man (151).

Chauvelin led his men with harshness and poor leadership. As a result, his soldiers worked in fear for their lives (246). Because of this fear, they did not work smartly but blindly. In contrast, the Scarlet Pimpernel practiced good teamwork and leadership. For this reason, his men respected him and were willing to give their lives for him. His soldiers were also described as a “merry and even happy party” (29). Chauvelin is a poor leader and very selfish, while Sir Percy is an exemplary leader. However, in his relationship with Marguerite, he made mistakes by hiding the truth from her. Because of the lies between them, they put each other’s lives at stake.

Chauvelin’s actions ultimately ended in total failure, fortunately for the people whose lives were at stake because of him. His soldiers were of extraordinarily little help and allowed the wanted men to escape. Sir Percy’s actions initially seemed destined for failure, but thanks to his cleverness, he was able to save the men he sought to help, including the Count de Tournay. Although they both had been given a position of leadership, they used that position in different ways. Chauvelin used it as a manipulating tool to get what he wanted from people. The Scarlet Pimpernel used that position as a second chance for other people to live and be able to have freedom by teaming up with loyal men who would be willing to accomplish his orders fully.

If you'd like to read or purchase the book, you can find it here: 

• Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136116.The_Scarlet_Pimpernel

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Pimpernel-Signet-Classics/dp/0451527623 

• Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/60/60-h/60-h.htm