The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Promises explained
D'Artagnan receives a dispatch from King Louis XIV ordering his return to Paris, ending his exile as jailer at Sainte-Marguerite.
What happens
D'Artagnan receives a dispatch from King Louis XIV ordering his return to Paris, ending his exile as jailer at Sainte-Marguerite. He parts from Athos and Raoul, who prepare for Raoul's departure with the Duc de Beaufort's expedition to Africa. Athos and Raoul share a deeply emotional farewell, with Athos giving Raoul money and advice, and Grimaud volunteering to accompany Raoul. The chapter closes with the embarkation of troops and the poignant separation of father and son.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's joyful reunion with Athos and Raoul and his offer to join them in Africa highlight enduring friendship, while the separation tests their bonds.
Fate and Tragedy
The chapter is steeped in foreboding as Athos and Raoul part, with Athos's warnings and Raoul's promise to think of him hinting at tragic outcomes.
Love and Sacrifice
Athos's selfless love for Raoul is shown through his financial support, advice, and willingness to let Grimaud go, sacrificing his own comfort for his son's safety.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Receives the king's order to return to Paris, ending his role as jailer; joyfully prepares to leave Sainte-Marguerite.
- Athos
Accompanies Raoul to the embarkation, gives him money and heartfelt advice, and struggles with the impending separation.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Prepares to depart for Africa with M. de Beaufort; shares an emotional farewell with his father and accepts Grimaud's offer to accompany him.
- Grimaud
Volunteers to go with Raoul to Africa, showing deep loyalty and concern for both Athos and Raoul.
- Louis XIV
Sends a dispatch recalling d'Artagnan to Paris, ending his mission at Sainte-Marguerite.
- Le Duc de Beaufort
Leads the expedition to Africa; calls Raoul to his side and speaks kindly to Athos.
Key passages
“I should think you will have completed the execution of my orders, Monsieur d'Artagnan; return, then, immediately to Paris, and join me at the Louvre.”
King Louis XIV orders d'Artagnan to return to Paris immediately, indicating his mission is complete.
The king's dispatch ends d'Artagnan's exile and role as jailer.
“No, Raoul shall not go alone; no, he shall not be left alone in a strange land without some friendly hand to support him, some friendly heart to recall to him all he loved!”
Athos insists that Raoul must not travel to Africa without a companion to care for him.
Athos's deep concern for Raoul's well-being leads to Grimaud's decision to accompany him.
“We love each other too dearly, that from this moment, in which we separate, a portion of both our souls should not travel with one and the other of us, and should not dwell wherever we may dwell.”
Athos tells Raoul that their love is so strong that part of each will always be with the other, no matter the distance.
This expresses the profound emotional bond between father and son as they face separation.