The Three Musketeers · Chapter
IV: The Shoulder of Athos, the Baldric of Porthos and the Handkerchief of Aramis explained
D'Artagnan, in his haste to chase the stranger from Meung, accidentally collides with Athos, aggravating his shoulder wound, and then with Porthos, exposing the false front of his baldric.
What happens
D'Artagnan, in his haste to chase the stranger from Meung, accidentally collides with Athos, aggravating his shoulder wound, and then with Porthos, exposing the false front of his baldric. Later, he attempts to ingratiate himself with Aramis by returning a handkerchief, but instead embarrasses him, implying a liaison with Madame de Bois-Tracy. These three incidents result in two duels (with Athos and Porthos) and a new enemy in Aramis.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
The chapter revolves around matters of honor: duels are arranged over perceived insults, and characters are deeply sensitive to slights against their reputation.
Deception and Disguise
Porthos's baldric is revealed to be gold only in front, symbolizing the gap between appearance and reality, while Aramis's denial of the handkerchief hints at hidden liaisons.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Impulsive and hot-headed, he carelessly offends three musketeers in succession, leading to duels and enmity.
- Athos
Wounded and dignified, he challenges D'Artagnan to a duel after being violently struck on his injured shoulder.
- Porthos
Vainglorious and sensitive about his baldric, he is enraged when D'Artagnan exposes its false gold front.
- Aramis
Embarrassed by D'Artagnan's well-meaning but clumsy return of a handkerchief, he gains a mortal enemy.
Key passages
“What a madcap I was, and what a stupid fellow I am! That brave and unfortunate Athos was wounded on that very shoulder against which I must run head foremost, like a ram.”
D'Artagnan berates himself for recklessly colliding with Athos's wounded shoulder.
D'Artagnan's self-reflection shows his growing awareness of his rashness.
“Ah, cursed Gascon that I am, I get from one hobble into another.”
D'Artagnan laments his Gascon impulsiveness that leads him from one trouble to the next.
This line underscores D'Artagnan's self-deprecating humor and regional stereotype.
“Aramis darted at d’Artagnan one of those looks which inform a man that he has acquired a mortal enemy.”
Aramis gave D'Artagnan a look that made it clear he had made a deadly enemy.
The handkerchief incident turns Aramis from a potential ally into a foe.