The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Shower of Rain explained
During a sudden storm, King Louis XIV and Louise de La Vallière take shelter under an oak tree, where the king expresses his admiration and desire to advance her station.
What happens
During a sudden storm, King Louis XIV and Louise de La Vallière take shelter under an oak tree, where the king expresses his admiration and desire to advance her station. Louise humbly refuses, citing her contentment with her current role and concern for the queen's feelings. Meanwhile, Aramis and Fouquet observe the scene from a hidden grotto, discussing their own schemes and the king's growing infatuation.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Louise de La Vallière's refusal of the king's offers and her concern for the queen's feelings highlight themes of self-sacrifice and moral restraint in love.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Aramis and Fouquet's secret observation of the king and their discussion of letters and financial schemes underscore the pervasive deception and manipulation at court.
Class and Social Mobility
The king's offer to elevate La Vallière's family and her insistence on remaining in the middle ranks reflect tensions around class and social advancement.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
Expresses deep admiration for Louise de La Vallière, offers to advance her family, and shelters her from the rain and storm.
- Louise de La Vallière
Humbly refuses the king's offers, citing her modest station and concern for the queen's feelings; shows disinterest in material advancement.
- Aramis
Observes the king and La Vallière with Fouquet, comments on her disinterestedness, and discusses their own plans and financial resources.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Walks with Aramis, discusses the letter sent to La Vallière, the upcoming fête, and expresses astonishment at Aramis's sudden wealth.
Key passages
“Sire, I only regard those things as beautiful which are within my reach. Everything which is too highly placed for me—”
Louise tells the king she only values what she can attain, implying that royal favor is beyond her aspirations.
Louise's modesty and self-awareness in rejecting the king's advances.
“I will supply six; do you on your side get two or three.”
Aramis offers to provide six million livres for the fête, asking Fouquet to contribute two or three.
Aramis's sudden wealth and his role in financing Fouquet's schemes.