How do I explain my obsession towards THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL? He was my first superhero and a vigilante on a mission. I didn’t know who Emma Orczy was when I first read the book. But the plot intrigued me so much that I began to believe the Scarlet Pimpernel was real.
I remember trying to understand the French Revolution just to know if Scarlet Pimpernel really existed. To me French Revolution was yet another boring chapter in the history textbook. But the impression of my first super hero would never fade away.
The plot – The Scarlet Pimpernel rescues his countrymen from the clutches of the French. He wears the mask of a fool. The book was my first introduction to the concept of dual identity
Emmy Orczy narrates the story from Marguerite’s point of view. Marguerite – his better half who underestimates him and betrays him without knowing his true identity. When the truth is revealed she sets out on a journey to right the wrong which puts her life at risk.
The antagonist Chauvelin is as cunning as a fox and anticipates the hero’s every move. There is one sequence in the book where they meet face to face. It was so clever and nerve wrecking at the same time.
Long before THE BATMAN and THE SUPERMAN there was the SCARLET PIMPERNEL – MY FIRST SUPER HERO
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aubreyleaman
Yes! I love this book. I never really thought of it as a superhero story before, but you’re totally right!