The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Nymphs of the Park of Fontainebleau explained
During the festivities at Fontainebleau, the king revels in his triumph while Madame coldly dismisses the Comte de Guiche, who is mortified by her public disdain.
What happens
During the festivities at Fontainebleau, the king revels in his triumph while Madame coldly dismisses the Comte de Guiche, who is mortified by her public disdain. De Guiche flees the scene, then returns and encounters Mademoiselle de La Vallière, with whom he shares a troubled conversation. Meanwhile, La Vallière, Montalais, and Tonnay-Charente plan a private walk, and de Guiche and Bragelonne are seen conversing in the park.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Madame's public dismissal of de Guiche and the hidden emotions among the courtiers illustrate the deceptive and strategic nature of courtly interactions.
Love and Sacrifice
De Guiche's suffering and his desperate conversation with La Vallière highlight the pain of unrequited love and emotional sacrifice.
Friendship and Betrayal
De Guiche's reference to Bragelonne as a friend, set against the backdrop of romantic tensions, hints at the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
The king enjoys his triumph and thinks of himself before Madame.
- Henrietta of England
Madame coldly dismisses de Guiche and shows indifference toward him.
- De Guiche
Mortified by Madame's public disdain, he flees the theater, then returns and speaks with La Vallière.
- Louise de La Vallière
Found alone near the lake, she converses with de Guiche and later plans a private walk with her companions.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
One of Madame's maids of honor; she joins La Vallière and Tonnay-Charente for a walk.
- Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente
Another maid of honor; she participates in the conversation and the planned walk.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Mentioned by de Guiche as a friend; seen walking with de Guiche in the park.
Key passages
“The king remained for a moment to enjoy a triumph as complete as it could possibly be. He then turned towards Madame, for the purpose of admiring her also a little in her turn.”
Louis XIV savored his victory before giving any attention to Madame.
Highlights the king's self-centeredness and the performative nature of courtly affection.
“Madame deigned to turn her eyes languishingly towards the comte, observing. 'Ah! M. de Guiche, is that you? good day!'”
Madame acknowledged de Guiche with feigned indifference.
Shows Madame's deliberate coldness and the power dynamics in their relationship.
“The arrow pierced his heart and wounded him mortally. Then, at the risk of interrupting the progress of the fête by his annoyance, he fled from the scene, tearing his beautiful costume of Autumn in pieces.”
De Guiche was devastated by Madame's words and fled, destroying his costume in his anguish.
Illustrates de Guiche's emotional turmoil and the dramatic impact of courtly rejection.
“La Vallière looked after him, saying—'Yes, yes, he, too, is suffering, and I begin to understand why.'”
La Vallière recognized de Guiche's pain and felt a kinship with his suffering.
Foreshadows La Vallière's own romantic entanglements and her empathy for de Guiche.
