The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Monsieur Is Jealous of Guiche explained
Monsieur (Philippe d'Orléans) bursts in on a private dance between Madame Henrietta and the Comte de Guiche, revealing his jealousy.
What happens
Monsieur (Philippe d'Orléans) bursts in on a private dance between Madame Henrietta and the Comte de Guiche, revealing his jealousy. He confronts his wife and Guiche, then seeks support from his mother, Anne of Austria, who dismisses his suspicions. Philippe threatens to drown Guiche, but Anne advises him to take the matter to the king, Louis XIV, who laughs at the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Monsieur's jealousy is fueled by the Chevalier de Lorraine's manipulations, and the private dance is a secret gathering that provokes conflict.
Honor and Loyalty
Guiche's bold response to Monsieur's accusation touches on his duty and loyalty to the prince, while Madame defends her honor against the implication of impropriety.
Love and Sacrifice
The romantic tension between Guiche and Madame is evident in the dance, and Monsieur's jealousy threatens their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Philippe d'Orléans
Bursts into Madame's apartments, confronts his wife and Guiche, and later complains to his mother about his jealousy.
- Henrietta of England
Dancing with Guiche when Monsieur enters; she defends herself against his accusations.
- De Guiche
Dancing with Madame and kneeling before her; he boldly responds to Monsieur's reproach.
- Le Chevalier de Lorraine
Observes the scene with feigned admiration and later whispers to Monsieur, appearing to calm him.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Present in the room, admiring the dance.
- Louise de La Vallière
Seated in a corner, looking on thoughtfully.
- Anne of Austria
Receives Philippe's complaints and dismisses his jealousy; later speaks with the king about the matter.
- Louis XIV
Visits the queen-mother and laughs at his brother's jealousy over Guiche.
Key passages
“Monsieur entered the room abruptly, as persons do who mean well and think they confer pleasure, or as those who hope to surprise some secret, the terrible reward of jealous people.”
Philippe burst into the room either intending to bring joy or, as a jealous man, hoping to uncover a secret.
Describes Monsieur's ambiguous motives upon entering.
“My house is the pleasantest in the kingdom.”
Philippe sarcastically remarks that his home is the most entertaining in France.
Shows his bitter irony toward the scene he discovered.
“I will have him drowned in my fishpond the very next time I find him in my apartments again.”
Philippe threatens to drown Guiche in his own fishpond if he catches him again.
Illustrates the extreme and theatrical nature of his jealousy.