# The Bulletin explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

D'Artagnan receives the Duc de Beaufort's letter detailing the death of Raoul de Bragelonne in battle. The account describes Raoul's reckless bravery, his disobedience of orders, and his apparent suicide by seeking death. D'Artagnan reflects on the double tragedy of Athos and Raoul, recognizing that they are now reunited in death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Tragedy

The chapter is dominated by the tragic fate of Raoul, who deliberately seeks death in battle, and the parallel death of Athos, creating a double tragedy.

### Love and Sacrifice

Raoul's death is a sacrifice driven by lost love; he holds a lock of fair hair (likely Louise's) as he dies, and his actions are a form of suicide born of despair.

### Honor and Loyalty

Raoul's bravery in battle and his refusal to surrender, even when facing certain death, reflect a code of honor and loyalty to his comrades and his father.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Receives and reads the bulletin of Raoul's death; reflects on the tragedy and concludes that Athos and Raoul are now reunited.

### Athos

Already deceased; the letter from Beaufort was intended for him but reaches only the dead.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Dies in battle at Gigelli; his actions suggest a deliberate suicide, holding a lock of fair hair as he dies.

### Le Duc de Beaufort

Writes the letter to Athos; commands the battle and attempts to save Raoul, but fails.

## Key lines

> The Duc de Beaufort wrote to Athos. The letter destined for the living only reached the dead. God had changed the address.

Beaufort's letter, meant for Athos, arrives after Athos has already died.

_Highlights the tragic irony that the news of Raoul's death reaches only his deceased father._

> He held a lock of fair hair in his right hand, and that hand was tightly pressed upon his heart.

Raoul died clutching a lock of blonde hair to his chest.

_Symbolizes his undying love for Louise de La Vallière and his despair._

> Oh! murmured he, 'unhappy boy! a suicide!'

D'Artagnan realizes that Raoul deliberately caused his own death.

_D'Artagnan's recognition of Raoul's suicidal intent._

> They kept their words with each other, said he, in a low voice; 'now I believe them to be happy; they must be reunited.'

D'Artagnan believes Athos and Raoul have kept their promise to be together in death.

_Reflects D'Artagnan's consolation that father and son are now together._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/266-the-bulletin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters