The Three Musketeers · Chapter
III: The Audience explained
D'Artagnan meets with Monsieur de Tréville, who initially appears cold but offers him admission to the Royal Academy.
What happens
D'Artagnan meets with Monsieur de Tréville, who initially appears cold but offers him admission to the Royal Academy. Tréville angrily confronts Porthos and Aramis about a recent brawl with the Cardinal's Guards, and Athos enters wounded, revealing the severity of the conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Friendship
Tréville's fierce defense of his Musketeers and their solidarity in the face of the Cardinal's Guards underscores the bond of loyalty among them.
Honor and Chivalry
D'Artagnan's proud refusal to appear needy and the Musketeers' insistence on their honorable conduct in the brawl highlight the code of honor.
Power and Politics
The conflict between the King's Musketeers and the Cardinal's Guards illustrates the political power struggle at court.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Presents himself to Tréville, recounts the theft of his letter at Meung, and accepts the offer to join the Royal Academy.
- M. de Tréville
Receives D'Artagnan with a mix of warmth and coldness, scolds Porthos and Aramis for the brawl, and shows concern for Athos.
- Athos
Enters wounded after the fight with the Cardinal's Guards, displaying calm dignity despite his injury.
- Porthos
Defends the Musketeers' actions to Tréville, explaining the circumstances of the fight.
- Aramis
Politely responds to Tréville's anger and reveals he killed one of the Cardinal's Guards during the brawl.
Key passages
“I respected your father very much. What can I do for the son? Tell me quickly; my time is not my own.”
Tréville acknowledges his respect for D'Artagnan's father and asks how he can help, noting his busy schedule.
Tréville's initial offer of assistance to D'Artagnan.
“I will write a letter today to the Director of the Royal Academy, and tomorrow he will admit you without any expense to yourself.”
Tréville promises to arrange free admission for D'Artagnan to the Royal Academy.
Tréville's practical support for D'Artagnan's education.
“Do you know what the king said to me, and that no longer ago than yesterday evening—do you know, gentlemen?”
Tréville angrily informs Porthos and Aramis that the king criticized the Musketeers.
Tréville's reprimand to the Musketeers about the king's displeasure.