The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
An Account of What the Chevalier de Lorraine Thought of Madame explained
The Chevalier de Lorraine sows jealousy in Monsieur's mind by insinuating that Madame has admirers, particularly the Duke of Buckingham and the Comte de Guiche.
What happens
The Chevalier de Lorraine sows jealousy in Monsieur's mind by insinuating that Madame has admirers, particularly the Duke of Buckingham and the Comte de Guiche. During the journey to Paris, Madame's coquettish behavior captivates many, while Raoul remains indifferent and writes to Louise de La Vallière, only to have his letters returned unopened. Malicorne brings news that Louise has left Blois for Paris and hints at a secret. Meanwhile, Buckingham and de Guiche compete in lavish spending to impress Madame.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
The Chevalier de Lorraine manipulates Monsieur's perceptions, planting seeds of jealousy and suspicion about Madame's relationships with Buckingham and de Guiche.
Love and Sacrifice
Raoul's unrequited love for Louise is evident as his letters are returned unopened, and he remains devoted despite her absence.
Greed and Corruption
Buckingham and de Guiche engage in a lavish competition of spending to win Madame's favor, highlighting the corrupting influence of wealth and status.
Characters to notice
- Philippe d'Orléans
Monsieur, the Duke of Orléans, is manipulated by the Chevalier de Lorraine into suspecting his wife's fidelity.
- Le Chevalier de Lorraine
The Chevalier de Lorraine maliciously suggests that Madame has multiple admirers, fueling Monsieur's jealousy.
- De Guiche
Comte de Guiche is one of Madame's admirers; he is embarrassed when questioned about his opinion of her and later competes with Buckingham in extravagant spending.
- Duke of Buckingham
Buckingham is a devoted admirer of Madame, spending lavishly to outshine de Guiche and attract her attention.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Raoul remains indifferent to Madame's charms, writes letters to Louise de La Vallière, and receives them back unopened; he learns from Malicorne that Louise has left Blois for Paris.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Montalais returns Raoul's letters and sends a cryptic note via Malicorne, hinting at Louise's whereabouts.
- Malicorne
Malicorne delivers Raoul's returned letters and a note from Montalais, and asks Raoul for a ticket to the wedding ceremony.
- Louise de La Vallière
Louise is mentioned as having left Blois for Paris; Raoul's letters to her were returned unopened.
Key passages
“Madame’s knight,” added the favorite, with an inflection of the voice which envious minds can alone give to the simplest phrases.”
The Chevalier de Lorraine referred to Buckingham as 'Madame's knight' in a tone dripping with envy.
The Chevalier's remark is designed to provoke Monsieur's jealousy.
“She possessed one of those fearless and incautious dispositions that find gratification in an excess of sensitiveness of feeling, and for whom, also, danger has a certain fascination.”
Madame had a bold and reckless nature, enjoying intense emotions and the thrill of risk.
Describes Madame's coquettish and daring personality.
“By the time Madame arrived at Paris, she had reduced to slavery about a hundred thousand lovers: and brought in her train to Paris half a dozen men who were almost mad about her, and two who were, indeed, literally out of their minds.”
Madame had captivated countless admirers during her journey, leaving several men utterly infatuated.
Hyperbolic description of Madame's irresistible charm.
