The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
A Passion explained
Athos returns to his hotel in Paris and finds Raoul waiting for him.
What happens
Athos returns to his hotel in Paris and finds Raoul waiting for him. Raoul expresses his distress at having been left behind during Athos's dangerous voyage to England, which he learned about from Grimaud. Athos questions Raoul about his activities during the past month, and Raoul admits he has not visited Blois or seen Mademoiselle de La Vallière, as Athos had forbidden it. Athos softens and offers his consent to the marriage, but Raoul refuses, sensing that Athos does not truly approve. Raoul declares his love for Louise de La Vallière is a passion, but he will wait and sacrifice his own happiness rather than go against Athos's wishes. Athos is moved by Raoul's devotion and the conversation ends with Athos asking Raoul to visit d'Artagnan.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Raoul's passion for Louise de La Vallière is so strong that he is willing to sacrifice his own happiness and wait indefinitely rather than defy Athos's unspoken disapproval.
Honor and Loyalty
Raoul's loyalty to Athos as his 'god upon earth' leads him to refuse Athos's consent to the marriage, prioritizing filial duty over personal desire.
Fate and Tragedy
The conversation foreshadows potential tragedy as Raoul's unwavering love and Athos's reservations set the stage for future conflict and heartbreak.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Returns from England and confronts Raoul about his love for Louise de La Vallière, ultimately offering his consent but being refused.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Expresses his unhappiness at being left behind, confesses his passion for Louise de La Vallière, and refuses Athos's consent out of loyalty.
- Grimaud
Describes the voyage to England to Raoul using gestures and few words, revealing the danger Athos faced.
- D'Artagnan
Mentioned as having returned from England with Athos; Raoul is asked to visit him at Planchet's house.
- Louise de La Vallière
The object of Raoul's passion; Athos questions her constancy and Raoul defends her honor.
- Planchet
Mentioned as the former lackey of d'Artagnan, now a grocer, where d'Artagnan can be found.
Key passages
“It is a passion.”
Raoul declares that his love for Louise de La Vallière is not a mere habit but a deep, consuming passion.
Raoul's response to Athos's suggestion that his love is just a habit.
“Mademoiselle de La Vallière is for me the one lady above all others; but you are for me a god upon earth—to you I sacrifice everything.”
Raoul tells Athos that while Louise is the most important woman to him, Athos is like a divine authority, and he will sacrifice his love for Athos's sake.
Raoul's expression of his hierarchy of loyalties, placing Athos above his romantic love.
“I will wait till you change your opinion.”
Raoul says he will postpone his marriage indefinitely until Athos genuinely approves of the match.
Raoul's commitment to waiting for Athos's full consent rather than accepting a reluctant permission.