The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Shares of Planchet and Company Rise Again to Par explained
Monck and d'Artagnan land in England and witness soldiers besieging a house where a Frenchman has barricaded himself.
What happens
Monck and d'Artagnan land in England and witness soldiers besieging a house where a Frenchman has barricaded himself. Monck intervenes, revealing the Frenchman is Athos, who had been waiting for Monck's return. Monck gives Athos a letter for King Charles II and sends him to Holland, while d'Artagnan remains with Monck, sensing their fortunes are improving.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Loyalty
Athos's steadfast defense of his house and Monck's recognition of his loyalty highlight the theme of honor.
Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's immediate recognition and defense of Athos underscores their enduring friendship.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Accompanies Monck back to England, witnesses the siege of Athos's house, and is ordered to remain with Monck.
- Athos
Defends his house against Monck's soldiers, reveals he was waiting for Monck, and is entrusted with a letter for King Charles II.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Not directly present; referenced indirectly through the 'shares' metaphor.
- General Monck
Returns to England, stops the attack on Athos, and sends Athos to deliver a letter to Charles II.
- Grimaud
Assists Athos in defending the house and later opens the door calmly after the siege ends.
- Charles II
Recipient of the letter Monck gives to Athos.
Key passages
“During the passage, Monck only spoke to d’Artagnan in cases of urgent necessity.”
Monck barely spoke to d'Artagnan during the voyage, only calling him to meals.
Highlights Monck's reserved demeanor and d'Artagnan's unease.
“Mordioux! you are a general, and allow your men to burn houses and assassinate people, while you look on and warm your hands at the blaze of the conflagration?”
D'Artagnan angrily accuses Monck of permitting his soldiers to burn a house and kill its occupant.
Shows d'Artagnan's impulsive nature and sense of justice.
“Come, come, it seems to me that the shares of the firm of Planchet and Company are rising.”
D'Artagnan muses that their fortunes are improving, referencing Planchet's investment scheme.
Indicates d'Artagnan's optimism and the chapter's title.