# M. de La Fontaine’s Wine explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Fouquet, accompanied by Gourville, travels to the Place de Grève where he encounters his maître d'hôtel Vatel purchasing wine for guests with particular tastes, including La Fontaine, Pélisson, and Conrart. Fouquet is moved by Vatel's dedication to accommodating all guests. Gourville then shows Fouquet a cart carrying gibbets destined for the Hôtel de Ville, signaling the king's intent to execute Fouquet's friends. Gourville advises Fouquet to return to Saint-Mandé to count his wealth rather than confront the king directly, and Fouquet reluctantly agrees.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Betrayal

Fouquet is torn between loyalty to his friends facing execution and the political danger of confronting the king.

### Power and Ambition

Gourville advises Fouquet to use his immense wealth to counter Colbert and the king's moves, highlighting the power struggle.

### Greed and Corruption

The gibbets symbolize the king's corrupt use of power to eliminate Fouquet's allies, while Gourville's advice centers on financial leverage.

## Character check-ins

### Nicolas Fouquet

Fouquet discovers Vatel buying wine for his guests and is confronted by Gourville about the gibbets meant for his friends.

### Gourville

Gourville accompanies Fouquet, shows him the gibbets, and advises him to return to Saint-Mandé to count his money rather than confront the king.

### Vatel

Vatel is seen buying vin de Joigny for La Fontaine and other guests who dislike strong wine; he defends his actions with dignity.

### Jean de La Fontaine

Mentioned as a guest who prefers vin de Joigny and frequents the cabaret L'Image-de-Notre-Dame.

### Pélisson

Mentioned as a guest who does not drink strong wine.

### Conrart

Mentioned as a guest who does not drink strong wine.

### Loret

Mentioned as a guest who drinks cider at Fouquet's house.

## Key lines

> To be thanked for having done one's duty is humiliating.

Being thanked for simply doing what one should is degrading.

_Vatel expresses that gratitude for fulfilling one's obligations is an insult to his professionalism._

> It is decided, you see. But it is not done.

The decision has been made, but the execution has not yet occurred.

_Fouquet acknowledges the king's plan to execute his friends but insists he can still intervene._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/56-m-de-la-fontaine-s-wine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters