The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Monsieur Becomes Jealous of the Duke of Buckingham explained
Four days after his marriage, Monsieur (Philippe d'Orléans) is consumed by jealousy over the Duke of Buckingham's attentions to his wife, Madame Henrietta.
What happens
Four days after his marriage, Monsieur (Philippe d'Orléans) is consumed by jealousy over the Duke of Buckingham's attentions to his wife, Madame Henrietta. He confronts his mother, Anne of Austria, who advises him to hide his feelings and entrust the matter to her. She agrees to send Buckingham away, urging Philippe to smile and behave normally.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Anne of Austria advises Philippe to hide his jealousy and pretend normalcy, illustrating the deceptive nature of court life.
Love and Sacrifice
Philippe's jealousy and Anne's intervention reflect the tensions between personal feelings and royal duty.
Characters to notice
- Philippe d'Orléans
Monsieur, the king's brother, is jealous of the Duke of Buckingham's visits to his wife and seeks his mother's counsel.
- Anne of Austria
The queen-mother advises her son to suppress his jealousy and promises to handle the Duke of Buckingham.
- Henrietta of England
Madame, the new bride, is the object of Monsieur's jealousy due to her English court and Buckingham's attentions.
- Duke of Buckingham
The English duke is the cause of Monsieur's jealousy; Anne of Austria plans to send for him.
- Le Chevalier de Lorraine
A close companion of Monsieur, he enjoys the prince's ill-humor and influences him.
- Manicamp
Present at breakfast with Monsieur and the Chevalier de Lorraine, he observes the prince's mood.
Key passages
“A princess who is tinged with coquetry usually forms a brilliant court; her smile stimulates luxury, arouses wit, and even courage; the nobles, too, fight better for a prince whose wife is beautiful.”
Anne of Austria argues that a queen's flirtatiousness can benefit the court by inspiring art, wit, and loyalty among nobles.
Anne defends Henrietta's behavior as politically advantageous.
“I do not precisely say it is serious.”
Philippe downplays his jealousy when pressed by his mother.
Philippe hesitates to fully accuse his wife.
“Send the duke to me, then; smile upon your wife, behave to her, to the king, to everyone, as usual.”
Anne instructs Philippe to act normally and let her handle Buckingham.
Anne takes control of the situation to avoid scandal.