# M. de Baisemeaux's "Society" explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

After d'Artagnan and Athos leave the Bastille, Aramis remains with Governor Baisemeaux and subtly interrogates him about his affiliation with a secret society. Baisemeaux initially denies any involvement, but Aramis reveals himself as the confessor of the order. A report arrives that prisoner No. 12 is ill and has requested a confessor, forcing Baisemeaux to acknowledge the society's authority and grant Aramis access to the prisoner.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Aramis uses deception and psychological pressure to extract Baisemeaux's obedience, revealing the hidden power structures within the Bastille.

### Power and Ambition

Aramis asserts his authority as a confessor of the secret order, demonstrating his ambition and control over the governor.

## Character check-ins

### Aramis

Reveals himself as the confessor affiliated with the secret order, manipulating Baisemeaux into compliance.

### Baisemeaux de Montlezun

Governor of the Bastille who is terrified upon learning Aramis's role in the secret society and reluctantly grants him access to the sick prisoner.

## Key lines

> I am the confessor affiliated to the order.

Aramis declares himself to be the designated confessor of the secret society.

_This revelation shocks Baisemeaux and forces him to comply with Aramis's demands._

> The order suspects; the order knows; the order foresees—is that not enough?

Aramis rebukes Baisemeaux for questioning the authority of the secret society.

_Aramis emphasizes the omniscience and absolute power of the order over its members._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/207-m-de-baisemeaux-s-society
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters