Within The Scarlet Pimpernel, disguise is a prominent theme. Whether literally, such as dressing oneself as a ugly old hag, or the concealment of emotions , disguise is heavily seen throughout the novel. Not only does Sir Percy Blakeney disguise himself in a variety of ways, his wife does as well.From the very beginning of the story to the end, disguise is key. The reader's first introduction to the Pimpernel is of him under the disguise of an old hag. “ ‘Sacre tonnerre,’ said the captain, ‘but is it feared that it was that accursed Englishman himself---the Scarlet Pimpernel’”(pg 15, Orczy). It was under the disguise of an old woman that the Pimpernel was able to rescue a family of French aristocrats, from right underneath the authority's noses. Those involved in the French revolution despise him for this ability to hide himself from them with his cunning. Chaveulin grows increasingly frustrated for not being able to discover the Pimpernel due to his master disguise skills. …show more content…
“ ‘Sacre tonnerre,’ said the captain, ‘but is it feared that it was that accursed Englishman himself---the Scarlet Pimpernel’”(pg 15, Orczy). It was under the disguise of an old woman that the Pimpernel was able to rescue a family of French aristocrats, from right underneath the authority's noses. Those involved in the French revolution despise him for this ability to hide himself from them with his cunning. Chaveulin grows increasingly frustrated for not being able to discover the Pimpernel due to his master disguise skills. As the story continues to develop, it is clear that even the demeanors in personal and political affairs and such are disguised; not only by the Scarlet Pimpernel, but by Marguerite as well. In the earlier chapters of the novel Sir Percy Blakeney is thought of and seen as a dumb english fop. “quote description”, but as the novel progresses it is clear that he is nothing