Inspiration and Trust: The Moral Catalysts for True Loyalty in The Scarlet Pimpernel Anonymous 10th Grade

The ability to inspire is the most important characteristic needed to unify a people with a similar common goal. The relationship formulated between a leader and his followers is based upon the leader’s ability to inspire, thus creating a dynamic that is built upon love, trust, and the willingness to sacrifice. Loyalty in the Scarlet Pimpernel represents an important theme that permeates the whole novel. Chauvelin is the primary antagonist in the book, and represents false loyalty through a one-dimensional relationship with his men. The Scarlet Pimpernel however, builds a follower base and forms relationships built upon the said dynamics: love, trust, and willingness to sacrifice. Through the contrast of Chauvelin and the Scarlet Pimpernel, Orczy conveys that true loyalty and dedication depends on the relationship built by the given leader, rather than a forced dynamic based upon fear or incentivization.

The loyalty between Chauvelin and his men encompasses a forced dynamic of superiority and a fear of retribution rather than a genuine connection based upon inspiration, trust, and love. This dynamic leads to many situations in which this flawed dynamic influences various scenarios that turn out to be unfavorable for Chauvelin....