# In Which It Is Seen That the French Grocer Had Already Been Established in the Seventeenth Century explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

D'Artagnan and Athos return to Paris after their journey. D'Artagnan visits his former servant Planchet, now a grocer, and after a tense moment of feigned despair, reveals that he has brought back a fortune from England. Planchet, overwhelmed with joy, faints at the sight of the gold and silver coins. They prepare to divide the wealth and recount the adventure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Betrayal

D'Artagnan tests Planchet's loyalty by pretending to be ruined, and Planchet offers to share his business, demonstrating true friendship.

### Greed and Corruption

The chapter contrasts the initial fear of loss with the overwhelming joy of sudden wealth, highlighting the corrupting potential of money.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Returns to Paris with Athos, visits Planchet, and reveals the fortune from England.

### Athos

Travels with d'Artagnan to Paris, offers advice on wealth, and plans to return to La Fère.

### Planchet

Now a grocer in Paris, he is initially terrified that the expedition failed, then overjoyed at the fortune.

## Key lines

> Oh! how well you manage, Athos! What order and what liberality! They are what I wish to unite! But, of what use trying! that comes from birth, and cannot be acquired.

D'Artagnan admires Athos's ability to balance order and generosity, attributing it to noble birth.

_D'Artagnan reflects on Athos's character as they part ways._

> Cordieu! Monsieur! If it is so, we must not despair for that; you shall become a grocer with me; I shall take you for my partner, we will share the profits, and if there should be no more profits, well, why then we shall share the almonds, raisins and prunes, and we will nibble together the last quarter of Dutch cheese.

Planchet offers d'Artagnan a partnership in his grocery business if the fortune is lost, showing his loyalty.

_Planchet's offer reveals his deep friendship and willingness to share everything._

> When Planchet heard the provoking sound of the silver and gold—when he saw bubbling out of the bags the shining crowns, which glittered like fish from the sweep-net—when he felt himself plunging his hands up to the elbows in that still rising tide of yellow and white coins, a giddiness seized him, and like a man struck by lightning, he sank heavily down upon the enormous heap, which his weight caused to roll away in all directions.

Planchet is so overwhelmed by the sight of the treasure that he faints into the pile of coins.

_The vivid description emphasizes the transformative power of sudden wealth._

## Links

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