The Three Musketeers · Chapter
The Antechamber of M. de Tréville explained
D'Artagnan arrives at the antechamber of M.
What happens
D'Artagnan arrives at the antechamber of M. de Tréville, where he observes the boisterous and irreverent Musketeers. He witnesses fencing games, hears gossip about women and the court, and is shocked by the open mockery of Cardinal Richelieu. He meets Porthos and Aramis, and reflects on his father's warnings about the cardinal, feeling both fear and admiration for the Musketeers' audacity.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Politics
The rivalry between King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu is evident through their competing guards and the Musketeers' open criticism of the cardinal.
Courage and Heroism
Tréville's bravery and loyalty are highlighted, and the Musketeers' daring fencing games and irreverence demonstrate a bold, heroic spirit.
Deception and Disguise
Porthos's claim to have bought his baldric with his own money is met with skepticism, hinting at hidden gifts from a veiled lady.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Arrives at Tréville's antechamber, observes the Musketeers with a mix of fear and admiration, and reflects on his father's admonitions about the cardinal.
- Porthos
A tall musketeer with a magnificent baldric, boasting about its cost and engaging in banter with comrades.
- Aramis
A young musketeer with a mild eye and rosy cheeks, contrasted with Porthos, and addressed by him.
- M. de Tréville
Captain of the Musketeers, described as a loyal and brave Gascon who rose through court favor, friend of the king.
- Cardinal Richelieu
Subject of mockery by the Musketeers; his private life and policies are criticized openly in the antechamber.
- King Louis XIII
Mentioned as a friend of Tréville and as having a real liking for him; his name causes a momentary hush among the Musketeers.
Key passages
“Certes, these fellows will all either be imprisoned or hanged , thought the terrified d’Artagnan, and I, no doubt, with them; for from the moment I have either listened to or heard them, I shall be held as an accomplice.”
D'Artagnan fears that the Musketeers' reckless talk will lead to their arrest and execution, and that he will be implicated as an accomplice.
D'Artagnan's internal reaction to the Musketeers' open criticism of the cardinal.
“What would my good father say, who so strongly pointed out to me the respect due to the cardinal, if he knew I was in the society of such pagans?”
D'Artagnan wonders what his father, who emphasized respect for the cardinal, would think of him associating with such irreverent men.
D'Artagnan's conflict between his father's teachings and his own admiration for the Musketeers.
“Ah, Porthos! cried one of his companions, 'don’t try to make us believe you obtained that baldric by paternal generosity. It was given to you by that veiled lady I met you with the other Sunday, near the gate St. Honoré.'”
A companion teases Porthos, suggesting his magnificent baldric was a gift from a mysterious veiled lady, not bought with his own money.
The banter among Musketeers reveals Porthos's possible romantic connections.