The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel

Name: The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel
Author: Emma Orczy

The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic adventure novel by Baroness Emma Orczy. Set during the French Revolution, the novel follows the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine. The novel begins with the introduction of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English baronet who is known for his foppishness and lack of intelligence. Little does anyone know that Sir Percy is actually the Scarlet Pimpernel, a daring rescuer of aristocrats from the guillotine. The novel follows the Scarlet Pimpernel as he embarks on a series of daring rescues, outwitting the French authorities at every turn. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including the beautiful Marguerite St. Just, who is torn between her love for Sir Percy and her loyalty to her husband, the French revolutionary Chauvelin. The novel culminates in a thrilling climax as the Scarlet Pimpernel and his allies attempt to rescue a group of aristocrats from the guillotine. In the end, the Scarlet Pimpernel triumphs and the aristocrats are saved. The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic adventure novel that has been adapted into several films and plays. It is a thrilling story of courage, loyalty, and love that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

By Emma Orczy · First published 1903 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 34 chapters · 88,189 words

First lines

At an angle of the Rue de la Monnaie where it is intersected by the narrow Passage des Fèves there stood at this time a large three- storied house, which exuded an atmosphere of past luxury and grandeur. Money had obviously been lavished on its decoration: the balconies were ornamented with elaborately carved balustrades, and a number of legendary personages and pagan deities reclined in more or less graceful attitudes in the spandrels round the arches of the windows and of the monumental doorway. The house had once been the home of a rich Austrian banker who had shown the country a clean pair of heels as soon as he felt the first gust of the revolutionary storm blowing across the Rue de la Monnaie. That was early in '89.

What this Textopian page supports

The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is listed on Textopian as a novel by Emma Orczy, dated 1903 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Emma Orczy
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Mystery
Length: 88,189 words
Structure: 34 chapters, 3,220 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Emma Orczy
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel?
How does this novel by Emma Orczy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is set during the French Revolution and follows the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a daring Englishman who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. This book is a classic example of historical fiction.
Romance — The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel features a romantic subplot between the protagonist, Sir Percy Blakeney, and his wife, Lady Blakeney. This romantic element is a key part of the story and adds to the overall genre of the book.
Adventure — The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel follows the daring adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel as he attempts to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine. This book is full of thrilling action and suspense, making it an adventure story.
Mystery — The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is full of mystery and intrigue as the protagonist attempts to outwit the French authorities and rescue the aristocrats. This book is a classic example of a mystery novel.