The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
In Which d’Artagnan Begins to Fear He Has Placed His Money and That of Planchet in the Sinking Fund explained
D'Artagnan delivers the kidnapped General Monck to King Charles II, who surprises both by releasing Monck and arranging his return to England.
What happens
D'Artagnan delivers the kidnapped General Monck to King Charles II, who surprises both by releasing Monck and arranging his return to England. D'Artagnan fears his investment in the venture may be lost.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Loyalty
Charles II's decision to release Monck demonstrates honor and trust, while d'Artagnan's service shows loyalty to the king.
Power and Ambition
D'Artagnan's risky venture and Charles II's strategic release of Monck highlight the pursuit of power and political ambition.
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's fear of having betrayed Planchet's trust and money underscores the tension between friendship and financial risk.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Delivers Monck to Charles II, fears his investment is lost.
- Charles II
Receives Monck, then releases him and arranges his return to England.
- General Monck
Kidnapped by d'Artagnan, released by Charles II, returns to England.
- Athos
Mentioned as having set out for Newcastle to negotiate with Monck.
- Planchet
D'Artagnan fears they have made a bad speculation with their money.
- Menneville
D'Artagnan's lieutenant, receives payment and leads the men.
Key passages
“proofs of devotion are so rare, that their reality may well be put in doubt.”
Genuine acts of loyalty are so uncommon that their authenticity is often questioned.
Charles II reflects on the rarity of true devotion.
“Poor Planchet! poor Planchet! I am very much afraid we have made a bad speculation.”
I fear that Planchet and I have made a poor investment.
D'Artagnan worries about the financial outcome of their venture.