# Rivals in Politics explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Fouquet formally invites the king to the fête at Vaux, skillfully maneuvering against Colbert's influence. He reveals he has sold his office of procureur-général to Vanel, a friend of Colbert, stunning both the king and his rival. Colbert, humiliated but resolute, accepts the king's invitation to the fête, plotting future revenge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Fouquet and Colbert engage in a high-stakes political duel, each maneuvering for the king's favor and ultimate control.

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Fouquet's calculated revelation of the office sale and Colbert's hidden schemes exemplify the deceptive nature of court politics.

### Greed and Corruption

The sale of a high office to a friend of Colbert highlights the corrupt financial practices and personal greed within the royal administration.

## Character check-ins

### Nicolas Fouquet

Displays calm superiority, invites the king to Vaux, and delivers a political blow by revealing the sale of his office to Vanel.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Lurks as a jealous shadow, is humiliated by Fouquet's revelation, but resolves to use the king's favor to plot Fouquet's ruin.

### Louis XIV

Accepts Fouquet's invitation to Vaux, shows surprise at the sale of the office, and is caught between the two rivals.

### De Guiche

Mentioned indirectly as part of the promenade's poetical effusions.

## Key lines

> Colbert had lain in wait for His Majesty in the corridor, and followed him like a jealous and watchful shadow

Colbert waited in the corridor and trailed the king like a jealous, vigilant shadow.

_Illustrates Colbert's obsessive surveillance and rivalry with Fouquet._

> Fouquet, with the profoundest contempt, did not take the slightest notice of the remark, as if, as far as he was concerned, Colbert had not even thought or said a word.

Fouquet completely ignored Colbert's comment, treating him as if he did not exist.

_Demonstrates Fouquet's disdain and strategic disregard for his enemy._

> this morning I sold one of the official appointments I hold.

I sold one of my government offices this morning.

_Fouquet's bombshell announcement that he sold the office of procureur-général to Vanel._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/196-rivals-in-politics
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters