# Jealousy explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

At the grand fête at Vaux-le-Vicomte, King Louis XIV reads a letter he believes is from La Vallière but which reveals her supposed affection for Fouquet, igniting a storm of jealousy. He orders d'Artagnan to arrest Fouquet, but the musketeer challenges the king's impulsive command, urging restraint and written orders. Louis struggles with his rage and resolves to act the next day.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Colbert's manipulation of the letter and the king's misplaced jealousy drive the plot, highlighting the deceptive nature of court life.

### Power and Ambition

Louis XIV's desire to assert his authority and eliminate Fouquet's influence reflects the struggle for power.

### Friendship and Betrayal

The king's perception of betrayal by La Vallière and Fouquet, despite Fouquet's hospitality, underscores themes of trust and treachery.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

Consumed by jealousy after reading the letter, he orders Fouquet's arrest despite being his guest.

### Nicolas Fouquet

The host of the fête, unaware of the king's wrath, continues to show generosity and loyalty.

### D'Artagnan

Captain of the Musketeers, he questions the king's order and demands written authorization before arresting Fouquet.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Observes the king's anger with satisfaction, having orchestrated the revelation of the letter.

### Louise de La Vallière

Mentioned as the object of the king's affection; the letter implicates her in a supposed betrayal.

## Key lines

> The still stronger magnet of love drew the young prince’s attention towards the souvenir of his idol; and, by the brilliant light, which increased momentarily in beauty, and drew from the neighboring villages loud cheers of admiration, the king read the letter, which he supposed was a loving and tender epistle La Vallière had destined for him.

The king's love for La Vallière overpowered his interest in the fireworks, and he read the letter he thought she had dropped for him.

_The king's jealousy is ignited by misreading the letter's intent._

> “M. Fouquet, you shall hear from me. Be good enough to desire M. d’Artagnan to come here.”

The king coldly tells Fouquet he will be in touch and asks for d'Artagnan to be summoned.

_Louis conceals his anger behind a formal dismissal, signaling his intent to act._

> “I never say that anything is impossible,” replied d’Artagnan, wounded to the quick.

D'Artagnan, stung by the king's doubt, asserts his capability.

_D'Artagnan's pride and loyalty are tested by the king's impulsive command._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/223-jealousy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters