# In Which Aramis Is Sought, and Only Bazin Is Found explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan seeks out Aramis, first visiting Athos's château only to learn he has departed, then traveling to the presbytery where he finds only Bazin, who reveals that Aramis has become the Bishop of Vannes through the patronage of Superintendent Fouquet. Bazin boasts of Fouquet's power and wealth, and d'Artagnan witnesses Fouquet's grand retinue passing by at night, prompting him to reflect on his own choices and the shifting centers of power.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Fouquet's display of wealth and influence contrasts with the king's authority, and d'Artagnan reflects on the shifting centers of power.

### Friendship and Betrayal

D'Artagnan's search for Aramis highlights the bonds among the former musketeers, while Bazin's boasting about Fouquet suggests potential conflicts of loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Seeks out Aramis, first at Athos's château and then at the presbytery; learns of Aramis's promotion and Fouquet's influence; reflects on his own service to the king.

### Aramis

Mentioned as having become Bishop of Vannes through Fouquet's patronage; not present in the chapter.

### Bazin

Now a schoolmaster and aspiring priest; boasts of Fouquet's power and wealth; provides d'Artagnan with information about Aramis's whereabouts.

### Athos

Mentioned as having left his château two hours before d'Artagnan's arrival; his destination is uncertain.

### Nicolas Fouquet

Mentioned as the patron who secured Aramis's bishopric; his grand retinue passes by the presbytery at night, impressing d'Artagnan.

### Grimaud

Mentioned as accompanying Athos on his journey; Blaisois notes that Grimaud would not break his word about going to Paris.

## Key lines

> “He could have all there are in the kingdom with his money,” replied Bazin, closing his book, and dismissing the boys with some kindly blows of his cane.

Bazin claims that Fouquet's wealth could buy every musketeer in the kingdom, emphasizing the superintendent's immense power.

_Highlights the theme of wealth as a source of influence, contrasting with royal authority._

> “I might easily see it was not the king,” said d’Artagnan; “people don’t laugh so heartily when the king passes.”

D'Artagnan observes that the laughter accompanying Fouquet's procession indicates a freedom and joy absent in the king's presence.

_Reflects d'Artagnan's perception of the difference between royal formality and Fouquet's more relaxed court._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/17-in-which-aramis-is-sought-and-only-bazin-is-found
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters