# Malicorne and Manicamp explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

This chapter introduces the characters Malicorne and Manicamp, detailing their backgrounds, ambitions, and the intricate web of relationships and schemes connecting Blois, Orléans, and Paris. Malicorne, a clever and ambitious man, uses his mistress Montalais and his friend Manicamp to gain influence and secure a position in the household of Monsieur, while Manicamp lives off the generosity of the Comte de Guiche. Their machinations set the stage for the arrival of Louise de La Vallière at court.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

Malicorne's entire scheme is driven by ambition to rise from his bourgeois origins to nobility through marriage and court position.

### Court Intrigue and Deception

The chapter details the web of secrets, manipulation, and strategic relationships between Malicorne, Montalais, Manicamp, and Guiche to gain influence at court.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Manicamp's friendship with Guiche is based on exploitation, and Malicorne's relationships are transactional, highlighting the lack of genuine loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Malicorne

Ambitious son of a syndic, who schemes to gain a post in Monsieur's household and marry Montalais, using Manicamp and Guiche for advancement.

### Manicamp

A poor but clever gentleman, favorite of the Comte de Guiche, who lives off Guiche's generosity and sells his clothes when funds run low.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Malicorne's mistress, a noblewoman who serves as a maid of honor to Madame, and is part of Malicorne's plan to gain court secrets.

### De Guiche

Friend of Monsieur and patron of Manicamp, through whom Malicorne hopes to secure a position.

### Louise de La Vallière

Mentioned as the poor little La Vallière, who is unknowingly being drawn into the intrigues of the court.

## Key lines

> Malicorne had determined to rise, at whatever price it might cost, and for this, whatever price it did cost, he had given himself a mistress and a friend.

Malicorne was resolved to advance socially at any cost, and to that end he acquired a mistress and a friend as tools.

_Highlights Malicorne's calculating ambition and instrumental view of relationships._

> He humbled his mistress by disdaining her. Burning with desire, when she advanced to tempt him, he had the art to appear ice, persuaded that if he opened his arms, she would run away laughing at him.

He kept his mistress in check by feigning indifference, even when he desired her, believing that showing affection would make her mock him.

_Illustrates the power dynamics and emotional manipulation in Malicorne and Montalais's relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/79-malicorne-and-manicamp
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters