Two questions about the Scarlet Pimpernel by Orczy?

Question

1. Why does the Scarlet Pimpernel rescue the French aristocrats?

2. Why does the hero go by the alias "The Scarlet Pimpernel"?

Answer 1

1. it was mentioned in the book that they do it for a sport, but i am not sure if there is a better reason other than for a sport.

2. maybe for the symbolism of the flower

it is a flower that grows in the wayside and when bad weather comes (rain, thunderstorm, etc.) it closes. it is also a weed.

are you reading the book?

if you don't mind, why do you ask?  

Answer 2

go to sparknotes.com.  you may find your answer there.