The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Among Women explained
D'Artagnan returns to Paris after his mission involving the Man in the Iron Mask, reflecting on the fates of Aramis and Porthos.
What happens
D'Artagnan returns to Paris after his mission involving the Man in the Iron Mask, reflecting on the fates of Aramis and Porthos. He learns of court gossip, the king's favoritism toward Louise de La Vallière, and the declining health of Fouquet. He seeks out La Vallière to discuss Raoul, hoping to bring comfort to his friend.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
D'Artagnan navigates the shifting loyalties and hidden agendas at court, including the king's secret orders and Fouquet's decline.
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's concern for Aramis and Porthos, and his desire to help Raoul, contrast with the king's manipulative use of his power.
Fate and Tragedy
The chapter is heavy with foreboding: Philippe's despair, Fouquet's illness, and Raoul's exile all point to inevitable tragedy.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Returns to Paris, reflects on his mission and the fates of his friends, and seeks out Louise de La Vallière to discuss Raoul.
- Louis XIV
Gives orders to D'Artagnan regarding the journey to Nantes and the placement of musketeers; is preoccupied with La Vallière.
- Louise de La Vallière
The king's favorite, courted by all; D'Artagnan approaches her to speak of Raoul.
- Nicolas Fouquet
The surintendant is declining in health despite the king's apparent kindness; D'Artagnan receives payment from his cashbox.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Reported to be radiant, suggesting his rising influence.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
D'Artagnan thinks of his despondent letter and seeks to console him through La Vallière.
- Philippe
The imprisoned Man in the Iron Mask, whose despair leads him to reveal his identity.
- Athos
Mentioned as having been drawn into the state secret regarding Philippe.
Key passages
“Many men would have been ready to lay down their lives for such a speech from the king.”
The king's words were so inspiring that many would have died for him.
Highlights the king's charisma and the devotion he commands.
“The stoical soldier, the impassive man-at-arms, overcome by fear and sad presentiments, had yielded, for a few moments, to human weakness.”
Even the usually unflappable d'Artagnan briefly gave in to anxiety and dark forebodings.
Shows d'Artagnan's vulnerability and the weight of his recent experiences.
“He learned that the king, during the last fortnight, had been gloomy; that the queen-mother was ill and much depressed; that Monsieur, the king's brother, was exhibiting a devotional turn; that Madame had the vapors; and that M. de Guiche was gone to one of his estates.”
D'Artagnan gathered that the king had been melancholy, the queen mother was sick, Monsieur had become religious, Madame was suffering from anxiety, and De Guiche had left for his country home.
Summarizes the court's mood and personal troubles.
“Thus, as the political Pleiad of the day said, the first king in the world was seen descending from his horse with an ardor beyond compare, and on the crown of his hat scrawling bombastic phrases, which M. de Saint-Aignan, aide-de-camp in perpetuity, carried to La Vallière at the risk of foundering his horses.”
The king was so devoted to La Vallière that he would dismount mid-hunt to write her extravagant notes, which Saint-Aignan would deliver at great speed.
Illustrates Louis XIV's infatuation with La Vallière and the court's gossip about it.
