The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Porthos's Will explained
At Pierrefonds, the reading of Porthos's will takes place in a mournful atmosphere.
What happens
At Pierrefonds, the reading of Porthos's will takes place in a mournful atmosphere. Mousqueton, grief-stricken and thin, receives the attendees. D'Artagnan arrives unannounced. The will bequeaths Porthos's vast estates and possessions to Raoul de Bragelonne, with conditions to give d'Artagnan whatever he asks and to pay a pension to Aramis if needed. Mousqueton inherits Porthos's clothes. After the reading, d'Artagnan finds Mousqueton dead atop the clothes, having died of grief.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
Porthos's will demonstrates deep friendship by leaving his fortune to Raoul and providing for d'Artagnan and Aramis, while subtly criticizing Aramis's role in his death.
Greed and Corruption
The assembly of 'covetous friends' expecting inheritance contrasts with Porthos's generous and selfless bequests.
Fate and Tragedy
Mousqueton's death from grief mirrors the tragic fate of a loyal servant who cannot survive his master.
Characters to notice
- Porthos
Deceased; his will is read, reflecting his generosity, wisdom, and loyalty to friends.
- D'Artagnan
Arrives at Pierrefonds for the will reading; deeply moved by Porthos's provisions and Mousqueton's fate.
- Mousqueton
Grief-stricken intendant; inherits Porthos's clothes and is bequeathed to Raoul, but dies of sorrow after the reading.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Named as Porthos's universal heir, to console him for his grief and add luster to his name.
- Athos
Not mentioned in the will, but d'Artagnan reflects that Porthos trusted Raoul would share with his father.
- Aramis
Mentioned in the will; Porthos leaves a pension for him if needed in exile, with a subtle critique of his conduct.
Key passages
“Mousqueton had become so thin in two days that his clothes moved upon him like an ill-fitting scabbard in which the sword-blade dances at each motion.”
Mousqueton had lost so much weight in just two days that his clothes hung loosely on him, shifting like a sword rattling in a too-large scabbard.
Illustrates Mousqueton's profound grief and physical decline.
“Porthos had indeed a heart, said d'Artagnan to himself with a sigh.”
D'Artagnan reflected that Porthos truly possessed a kind and generous heart.
Highlights d'Artagnan's admiration for Porthos's character as revealed in the will.
“Mousqueton was dead! Dead, like the dog who, having lost his master, crawls back to die upon his cloak.”
Mousqueton had died, just as a faithful dog returns to its master's garment to die after losing him.
Emphasizes the depth of Mousqueton's loyalty and the tragedy of his death.