# Philosophy of the Heart and Mind explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

D'Artagnan returns home, enjoys a supper with Planchet, and prepares for a journey to Bretagne. He reflects on his mission, returns Fouquet's order, and philosophizes about the political landscape, comparing himself to Turenne and dismissing the expedition as likely 'Much Ado About Nothing.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

Planchet, a former servant, now has wealth and desires to invest, showing social mobility.

### Greed and Corruption

Planchet's avarice and desire for easy riches are highlighted, as is the political maneuvering of Colbert.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Planchet's affectionate concern for d'Artagnan contrasts with the political betrayals in the court.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Returns home, laughs at Colbert, prepares for a journey to Bretagne, and reflects on his mission.

### Planchet

Welcomes d'Artagnan, offers to invest in his expedition, and shows affectionate concern.

### Nicolas Fouquet

Mentioned in d'Artagnan's reflections; d'Artagnan returns his order.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

D'Artagnan laughs at him and reflects on his political opposition to Fouquet.

## Key lines

> For a man who had seen so many much more dangerous ones, the position of d’Artagnan with respect to M. Colbert was only comic.

D'Artagnan found his situation with Colbert amusing rather than threatening.

_D'Artagnan's lighthearted view of Colbert's enmity._

> That Avarice is an ardent counselor; she carries away her man, as Satan did Jesus, to the mountain...

Greed is a powerful and corrupting force that leads a person astray.

_Narrator's reflection on Planchet's covetousness._

> I cannot think the expedition a very dangerous one; and it will fall out with my voyage as with that piece M. Monck took me to see in London, which was called, I think, Much Ado About Nothing.

D'Artagnan believes his mission will prove to be much fuss over nothing important.

_D'Artagnan's dismissive attitude toward the expedition._

## Links

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