The Three Musketeers · Chapter
The Kings’s Musketeers and the Cardinal’s Guards explained
D'Artagnan arrives for his duel with Athos, but the encounter is interrupted by the arrival of Cardinal Richelieu's guards led by Jussac.
What happens
D'Artagnan arrives for his duel with Athos, but the encounter is interrupted by the arrival of Cardinal Richelieu's guards led by Jussac. Despite being outnumbered, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis prepare to fight, and D'Artagnan chooses to join them, declaring his spirit is that of a musketeer. In the ensuing battle, D'Artagnan defeats Jussac, and the four friends overcome the guards, with Bicarat surrendering honorably. They return triumphantly to M. de Tréville's hotel, and D'Artagnan feels he has begun his apprenticeship as a musketeer.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Heroism
D'Artagnan chooses to fight despite being outnumbered and inexperienced, and the musketeers display bravery against the Cardinal's guards.
Loyalty and Friendship
D'Artagnan joins the three musketeers, forming a bond of loyalty that leads to their collective victory.
Honor and Chivalry
Athos shows courtesy in the duel, and Bicarat's honorable surrender is respected by the musketeers.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Arrives for the duel, chooses to fight alongside the musketeers, defeats Jussac, and feels he has entered his apprenticeship.
- Athos
Waits for the duel, wounded but fights valiantly, changes to left hand, and accepts D'Artagnan's help.
- Porthos
Fights Bicarat, receives a thrust through the arm, and jests during the combat.
- Aramis
Fights two adversaries, kills one, and forces the other to surrender.
- M. de Jussac
Leads the Cardinal's guards, is defeated by D'Artagnan, and later commands Bicarat to yield.
- Bicarat
Fights Porthos, wounded in the thigh, surrenders honorably after breaking his sword.
- M. de Cahusac
Fights Athos, is disarmed by D'Artagnan, and later killed by Athos.
Key passages
“Endure nothing from anyone but the king, the cardinal, and M. de Tréville.”
D'Artagnan recalls his father's advice to only submit to the king, the cardinal, and M. de Tréville.
This principle guides D'Artagnan's decision to fight alongside the musketeers.
“I have not the uniform, but I have the spirit. My heart is that of a musketeer; I feel it, Monsieur, and that impels me on.”
D'Artagnan declares that although he lacks the official uniform, his heart and spirit are those of a musketeer.
This statement cements his allegiance to the musketeers and his choice to fight.
“If I am not yet a musketeer, at least I have entered upon my apprenticeship, haven’t I?”
D'Artagnan reflects that while he is not yet a full musketeer, he has begun his training.
This marks the start of D'Artagnan's journey to becoming a musketeer.