# Monsieur de Beaufort explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

The Duc de Beaufort visits Athos and Raoul, announcing his departure for an expedition to Gigelli in Africa. He offers to take Raoul with him, which Raoul eagerly accepts as a way to escape his grief over Louise de La Vallière. Athos is deeply troubled by his son's desire to leave, and Raoul declares his intention to become a knight of Malta, serving God rather than the king. The duke leaves, asking Athos to meet him in Paris with his final decision.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Loyalty

Raoul's decision to serve God as a knight of Malta reflects a personal code of honor and loyalty beyond the king, while the Duc de Beaufort seeks a glorious death to maintain his honor.

### Fate and Tragedy

Raoul's desire to leave and his father's grief foreshadow a tragic separation, with the duke's talk of death and Raoul's icy resolve hinting at doom.

### Friendship and Betrayal

The bond between Athos and the Duc de Beaufort is evident, but Raoul's choice to leave his father for the expedition suggests a form of emotional betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Athos

Hosts the Duc de Beaufort and is deeply distressed by Raoul's wish to leave for Africa and his declaration to become a knight of Malta.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Accepts the Duc de Beaufort's offer to join the expedition to Gigelli and declares his intention to become a knight of Malta, serving God.

### Le Duc de Beaufort

Visits Athos to bid farewell before his expedition to Gigelli, offers to take Raoul as his aide-de-camp, and speaks of his desire to die gloriously.

### Grimaud

Serves wine to the Duc de Beaufort and is visibly affected by Raoul's announcement, dropping the bottle in shock.

## Key lines

> War is a distraction: we gain everything by it; we can only lose one thing by it—life—then so much the worse!

War distracts us from our sorrows; the only thing we risk losing is life, and that is a small price to pay.

_The Duc de Beaufort encourages Raoul to join the expedition as a way to escape his grief over Louise._

> My intention is to make profession, and become a knight of Malta.

I plan to take vows and join the Order of the Knights of Malta.

_Raoul declares his intention to serve God rather than the king, shocking both Athos and the duke._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/234-monsieur-de-beaufort
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters