Discussion questions – Scarlet Pimpernel: How is the Scarlet Pimpernel flower

1. How is the Scarlet Pimpernel flower a larger motif for the themes of the novel? Does it fit Percy as a character?
2. Why doesn’t Chauvelin have to die at the end of the book for a successful resolution? Would the novel have been more satisfying with a different resolution, or does the resolution as Orczy presents it fit the tenor of the book as a whole?
3.How does loyalty play a key role in the distinction between Percy succeeding and Chauvelin failing in achieving their goals? Are these respective men’s followers equally loyal to their causes? Is their loyalty distinct?
4.Is Percy a less admirable hero for never physically taking on his enemies? What is his ultimate goal as the Scarlet Pimpernel?