The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Portrait of Madame explained
De Guiche mediates tensions between de Wardes and Raoul, then visits Monsieur to secure a maid of honor appointment for Louise de La Vallière, while Monsieur compares his own appearance to Henrietta's portrait.
What happens
De Guiche mediates tensions between de Wardes and Raoul, then visits Monsieur to secure a maid of honor appointment for Louise de La Vallière, while Monsieur compares his own appearance to Henrietta's portrait.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
De Wardes conceals his hatred behind a smile, and the Chevalier de Lorraine manipulates Monsieur against de Guiche's request.
Friendship and Betrayal
De Guiche defends Raoul against de Wardes's hostility, while the Chevalier de Lorraine acts as a rival for Monsieur's favor.
Characters to notice
- De Guiche
Mediates between de Wardes and Raoul, then visits Monsieur to request a maid of honor appointment for Louise de La Vallière.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Present during the tense discussion with de Wardes; de Guiche's close friend.
- De Wardes
Expresses inherited hatred toward d'Artagnan and his friends; hostile toward Raoul.
- Philippe d'Orléans
Monsieur, found admiring himself and comparing his looks to Henrietta's portrait; grants the appointment for La Vallière.
- Le Chevalier de Lorraine
Present in Monsieur's cabinet, teases Monsieur about Henrietta's beauty and opposes de Guiche's request.
- Malicorne
Accompanies de Guiche and de Wardes to the Palais Royal; learns from observing the young men.
Key passages
“De Guiche perfectly understood the whole matter, for there was in Bragelonne’s face a look instinctively hostile, while in that of de Wardes there was something like a determination to offend.”
De Guiche saw that Raoul looked instinctively hostile and de Wardes seemed set on causing offense.
Highlights the brewing conflict between Raoul and de Wardes.
“My opinion is that the portrait must be flattering, my lord.”
I think the portrait makes her look better than she really is.
De Guiche's diplomatic response to Monsieur's question about Henrietta's portrait.
“The Chevalier de Lorraine burst out laughing. The prince understood how severe towards himself this opinion of the Comte de Guiche was, and he looked somewhat displeased.”
The Chevalier laughed, and the prince realized de Guiche's opinion was unflattering to himself, making him annoyed.
Shows Monsieur's vanity and the Chevalier's mocking influence.