The Scarlet Pimpernel

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-9

Reading Check

1. Who is the guard for the West Gate?

2. What do the ruling Committee of Public Safety officials always receive after a daring rescue of nobles?

3. Why are Jellyband and his customers angry with Prime Minister Pitt?

4. What is the name of Jellyband and Sally’s coastal inn?

5. Whom does the Vicomte accuse Marguerite St Just of condemning to death?

6. To whom is Marguerite married?

7. What does Chauvelin ask Marguerite to do?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How are peasants portrayed in Baroness Orczy’s novel? Is there truth in her portrayal of the peasantry during the French Revolution? What biases might she have toward revolution and peasantry?

2. How did the Scarlet Pimpernel arrange the first recorded escape in the novel?

3. How is Sir Percy Blakeney described?

4. What is the conflict between Sir Percy and his wife?

Paired Resource

William Pitt and the French Revolution

• This encyclopedia article describes the role of William Pitt, the Younger in the French Revolution, the debt facing England following the American Revolution, and other difficulties in his first ministry.