The Three Musketeers · Chapter
Conclusion explained
D'Artagnan is arrested by Cardinal Richelieu's order and brought before him.
What happens
D'Artagnan is arrested by Cardinal Richelieu's order and brought before him. He defends himself by revealing Milady de Winter's crimes, including the murder of Madame Bonacieux. The cardinal, impressed by d'Artagnan's courage and relieved to be rid of Milady, grants him a lieutenant's commission in the Musketeers. D'Artagnan offers the commission to each of his three friends, but all decline, and he ultimately accepts it himself, feeling both honored and sorrowful.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Friendship
D'Artagnan offers the lieutenant's commission to each of his friends, demonstrating deep loyalty, and they all refuse in favor of him.
Justice and Vengeance
D'Artagnan and his friends take justice into their own hands by executing Milady for her crimes, which is later acknowledged by the cardinal.
Power and Politics
Cardinal Richelieu's manipulation of events and his decision to reward d'Artagnan reflect the political machinations of the era.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Arrested and brought before Cardinal Richelieu, he defends his actions and receives a lieutenant's commission.
- Cardinal Richelieu
Interrogates d'Artagnan, learns of Milady's death, and ultimately rewards him with a commission.
- Athos
Supports d'Artagnan, refuses the commission, and comforts him with philosophical advice.
- Porthos
Declines the commission, planning to marry his wealthy duchess.
- Aramis
Refuses the commission, having decided to enter religious life.
- Comte de Rochefort
Arrests d'Artagnan but later reconciles with him under the cardinal's orders.
Key passages
“You have constituted yourselves judges, without remembering that they who punish without license to punish are assassins?”
You acted as judges and executioners, forgetting that unauthorized punishment is murder.
Cardinal Richelieu rebukes d'Artagnan for taking the law into his own hands.
“I have taken from you one carte blanche to give you another. The name is wanting in this commission; you can write it yourself.”
I have exchanged your blank pardon for a blank commission; you may fill in the name yourself.
The cardinal grants d'Artagnan a lieutenant's commission as a reward.
“You are young; and your bitter recollections have time to change themselves into sweet remembrances.”
You are still young, and your painful memories may eventually become fond ones.
Athos consoles d'Artagnan about his losses.