The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Political Rivals explained
D'Artagnan returns to the Bastille where Athos, Aramis, and Baisemeaux are dining.
What happens
D'Artagnan returns to the Bastille where Athos, Aramis, and Baisemeaux are dining. He reveals that King Louis XIV has ordered Athos's imprisonment, but immediately produces a second order for his release. Athos is freed and decides to retire to his estate. Meanwhile, Grimaud and Raoul, fearing Athos has been arrested, rush to find help.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's swift action to secure Athos's release underscores the enduring bond between the former musketeers, even as political forces threaten them.
Power and Ambition
The king's arbitrary use of power to arrest and release Athos highlights the absolute authority of Louis XIV and the precariousness of noble status.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Returns to the Bastille with the king's orders for Athos's imprisonment and release, demonstrating his influence and loyalty.
- Athos
Calmly accepts his arrest and subsequent release, choosing to retire to his château rather than remain at court.
- Aramis
Dines with Athos and Baisemeaux, observes the events with keen interest, and declines to accompany Athos, citing an appointment in Paris.
- Baisemeaux de Montlezun
The governor of the Bastille, flustered by the sudden arrest and release of Athos, but eager to please.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Fearing for his father's safety, he rushes to find Athos after learning of his arrest.
- Grimaud
Loyal servant who deduces Athos's arrest and alerts Raoul, then helps him search for Athos.
Key passages
“D’Artagnan had promised M. de Baisemeaux to return in time for dessert, and he kept his word.”
D'Artagnan fulfilled his promise to return to the Bastille for the end of the meal.
Shows D'Artagnan's reliability and sets the scene for the chapter's events.
“Athos and Aramis had played a close game; neither of the two had been able to gain the slightest advantage over the other.”
Athos and Aramis had engaged in a subtle contest of wits, with neither prevailing.
Highlights the intellectual rivalry and mutual respect between the two friends.
“The truth is, my friend, that you, Aramis, have been supping with a state criminal, and you, Monsieur de Baisemeaux, with your prisoner.”
Athos reveals that he is now a state criminal and a prisoner of the Bastille.
Athos's calm announcement of his own arrest demonstrates his stoicism.
“I wish the king no harm; and the greatest evil or misfortune that anyone can wish kings, is that they should commit an act of injustice.”
Athos expresses that the worst fate for a king is to be unjust.
Reflects Athos's principled view of kingship and justice.