The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
A Mission explained
Raoul de Bragelonne is sent by the king on a mission to England, bearing letters for King Charles II and a letter from Madame to her brother.
What happens
Raoul de Bragelonne is sent by the king on a mission to England, bearing letters for King Charles II and a letter from Madame to her brother. Before departing, he meets Louise de La Vallière and Montalais in the gardens, expressing a deep, foreboding sadness despite the honor. Louise is visibly distressed, and Montalais tries to comfort her. After Raoul leaves, Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente joins them to discuss Madame's desires regarding the previous day's events.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Raoul's departure for England, despite his deep love for Louise, highlights the theme of personal sacrifice for duty and honor.
Court Intrigue and Deception
The secretive meeting of the maids of honor and the discussion of Madame's desires underscore the pervasive intrigue and hidden agendas at court.
Characters to notice
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Departs for England on a royal mission; expresses melancholy and foreboding despite the honor.
- Louise de La Vallière
Deeply distressed by Raoul's departure; struggles with guilt and emotion.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Acts as a confidante and scout; tries to comfort Louise and later discusses Madame's plans.
- Athenaïs
Joins the conversation after Raoul leaves; speaks diplomatically about Madame's desires.
- Louis XIV
Orders Raoul to carry letters to King Charles II of England.
- Henrietta of England
Writes a letter for her brother, King Charles II, to be delivered by Raoul.
Key passages
“It is strange... I have often left you when setting off on adventures fraught with danger. Then I started joyously enough—my heart free, my mind intoxicated by thoughts of happiness in store for me, hopes of which the future was full; and yet I was about to face the Spanish cannon, or the halberds of the Walloons. Today, without the existence of any danger or uneasiness, and by the sunniest path in the world, I am going in search of a glorious recompense... Yet, Louise, in very truth I know not how or why, but this happiness and this future seem to vanish before my very eyes like mist—like an idle dream; and I feel here, here at the very bottom of my heart, a deep-seated grief, a dejection I cannot overcome—something heavy, passionless, deathlike—resembling a corpse.”
Raoul tells Louise that in the past he left joyfully for dangerous missions, but now, on a safe and honorable journey, he feels a deep, inexplicable sadness and a sense that his happiness is fading like a dream.
Raoul's premonition of sorrow contrasts with the apparent honor of his mission, foreshadowing tragedy.
“I cannot part from you, carrying away with me a thought that tortures me; absurd I know it to be, and yet one which rends my very heart.”
Raoul confesses that he cannot leave without sharing a troubling thought that, though irrational, causes him great pain.
His confession reveals his inner turmoil and deep emotional attachment to Louise.