The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Madame and de Guiche explained
De Guiche, distressed by the king's attention to La Vallière, seeks an audience with Madame.
What happens
De Guiche, distressed by the king's attention to La Vallière, seeks an audience with Madame. Their conversation reveals mutual jealousy and suspicion regarding the king's intentions. After a tense exchange, Madame confesses her love for de Guiche, and they reconcile, agreeing to distinguish between her public role as the king's sister-in-law and her private identity as a woman in love.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
De Guiche and Madame navigate their love amidst courtly obligations and the risk of scandal.
Court Intrigue and Deception
The conversation is filled with hidden meanings, jealousy, and strategic revelations about the king's affections.
Honor and Loyalty
De Guiche's loyalty to his friend Bragelonne and his respect for Madame's position are central to his actions.
Characters to notice
- De Guiche
Writes a letter to Madame, confronts her about the king's behavior, and ultimately professes his love and devotion.
- Henrietta of England
Summons de Guiche, displays jealousy over the king's attentions to La Vallière, and eventually reveals her love for de Guiche.
- Louise de La Vallière
Mentioned as the object of the king's attentions and as Bragelonne's affianced.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Referenced as de Guiche's friend and the man affianced to La Vallière.
- Louis XIV
Implied to be showing marked attention to La Vallière, causing jealousy and suspicion.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Present at the door during the conversation and later interrupts to announce that de Guiche is wanted.
Key passages
“I think,” he said, “that the king may possibly have had an idea of annoying someone; were it not for that, the king would hardly show himself so earnest in his attentions as he is; he would not run the risk of compromising, from mere thoughtlessness of disposition, a young girl against whom no one has been hitherto able to say a word.”
De Guiche suggests that the king's attentions to La Vallière are deliberate, intended to provoke someone, rather than thoughtless flirtation.
De Guiche speculates on the king's motives, showing his analytical approach to the court intrigue.
“I am a woman,” she said, in a voice lower than ever, “and I love.””
Madame confesses her love for de Guiche, setting aside her royal persona.
This moment marks the emotional climax of the chapter, where private feelings override public roles.