The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The New General of the Jesuits explained
Fouquet and Aramis discuss the state of Belle-Isle, where Aramis has successfully turned the new garrison to Fouquet's favor through calculated generosity.
What happens
Fouquet and Aramis discuss the state of Belle-Isle, where Aramis has successfully turned the new garrison to Fouquet's favor through calculated generosity. Aramis hints at a grand, secret plan involving a replacement for King Louis XIV, claiming immense power and offering Fouquet unlimited funds. Fouquet is both terrified and intrigued by Aramis's audacious confidence.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Aramis reveals his grand ambition to replace the king and his immense power, offering Fouquet unlimited funds and support.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Aramis and Fouquet conspire to manipulate the garrison at Belle-Isle and plan a secret replacement of the king.
Friendship and Betrayal
Aramis's secret plans involve a potential betrayal of King Louis XIV, while he presents himself as Fouquet's invaluable friend.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
Fouquet converses with Aramis about Belle-Isle and is alarmed by Aramis's hints of replacing the king.
- Aramis
Aramis reveals his control over the Belle-Isle garrison and hints at his immense power and plans to replace King Louis XIV.
- Louis XIV
Mentioned as the current king whom Aramis plans to replace; also noted as being with La Vallière.
- Louise de La Vallière
Mentioned as being with the king in their first confession of love.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Mentioned by Fouquet as holding the king's weakness and passions in his grasp.
- Porthos
Briefly mentioned by Fouquet, who asks about him.
Key passages
“While La Vallière and the king were mingling, in their first confession of love, all the bitterness of the past, the happiness of the present, and hopes of the future, Fouquet had retired to the apartments which had been assigned to him in the château, and was conversing with Aramis precisely upon the very subjects which the king at that moment was forgetting.”
As the king and La Vallière shared their first intimate confessions, Fouquet and Aramis discussed matters of state that the king was ignoring.
Highlights the parallel between the king's romantic distraction and the political plotting of Fouquet and Aramis.
“I wish to see upon the throne of France a king devoted to Monsieur Fouquet, and I wish Monsieur Fouquet to be devoted to me.”
Aramis wants a king who is loyal to Fouquet, and in return, Fouquet will be loyal to Aramis.
Reveals Aramis's ambition to install a puppet king and secure Fouquet's allegiance.
“One can well be audacious when one is powerful.”
It is easy to be bold when you have great power.
Aramis justifies his audacious plans by claiming immense power.