The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Showing How the Countersign Was Respected at the Bastille explained
Fouquet, having learned of Aramis's plot to replace King Louis XIV with his twin brother Philippe, races to the Bastille to confront the situation.
What happens
Fouquet, having learned of Aramis's plot to replace King Louis XIV with his twin brother Philippe, races to the Bastille to confront the situation. He forces his way past guards and pressures Governor Baisemeaux to let him see the prisoner Marchiali, who is actually the imprisoned king. Baisemeaux resists, citing the need for a royal order, but ultimately yields under Fouquet's threats of military force and arrest.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Fouquet's frantic race to the Bastille reveals the high-stakes deception of Aramis's plot to replace the king, and the bureaucratic resistance he faces.
Power and Ambition
Fouquet's willingness to threaten military action and arrest demonstrates his ambition to control the outcome of the coup, while Baisemeaux's fear shows the precarious nature of power.
Honor and Loyalty
Fouquet's sense of duty to the true king drives him to risk everything, contrasting with Baisemeaux's conflicted loyalty to the rules and his own safety.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
Superintendent who, upon learning of Aramis's plot, rushes to the Bastille, forces entry, and demands to see the prisoner Marchiali, threatening Baisemeaux with military action.
- Baisemeaux de Montlezun
Governor of the Bastille who initially refuses Fouquet entry without a royal order, but eventually capitulates under threats of arrest and cannon fire.
- Aramis
Referenced as the Bishop of Vannes who earlier visited the Bastille and orchestrated the substitution of Philippe for the king; Fouquet now seeks to undo his plot.
- Marchiali
The prisoner at the Bastille, actually the true King Louis XIV, who has been imprisoned in place of his twin Philippe; Fouquet demands to see him.
- Philippe
The false king installed by Aramis; Fouquet's actions are aimed at countering this usurpation.
Key passages
“Fouquet tore along as fast as his horses could drag him. On his way he trembled with horror at the idea of what had just been revealed to him.”
Fouquet raced at top speed, horrified by the revelation of Aramis's plot.
Highlights Fouquet's urgency and shock upon learning of the conspiracy.
“I give you ten minutes to make up your mind... if, in ten minutes' time, you still persist, I leave this place, and you may think me as mad as you like. Then—you shall see!”
Fouquet gives Baisemeaux a ten-minute ultimatum to comply, threatening dire consequences if he refuses.
Shows Fouquet's escalating pressure and determination to see the prisoner.
“Baisemeaux bowed his head, took the keys, and unaccompanied, except by the minister, ascended the staircase.”
Baisemeaux finally submits and leads Fouquet up the stairs alone.
Marks the governor's capitulation after Fouquet's threats.