# King Louis XIV Does Not Think Mademoiselle de La Vallière Either Rich Enough or Pretty Enough for a Gentleman of the Rank of the Vicomte de Bragelonne explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Athos returns to Paris and requests an audience with King Louis XIV to ask for his consent to Raoul's marriage to Mademoiselle de La Vallière. The king, however, opposes the match, finding La Vallière neither sufficiently beautiful nor wealthy for a gentleman of Raoul's rank. Despite Athos's pleas, Louis XIV refuses to authorize the marriage immediately, preferring to wait and confer greater favors on both parties. Raoul is left in distress, and receives urgent messages from De Guiche and the Duke of Buckingham.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

The king's objection to Raoul's marriage to La Vallière highlights the importance of wealth, beauty, and rank in noble unions.

### Love and Sacrifice

Raoul's love for Louise is challenged by the king's refusal, and Athos reluctantly supports the match despite his own reservations.

### The Nature of Kingship

Louis XIV exercises his royal prerogative to control the marriages of his courtiers, demonstrating his absolute power.

## Character check-ins

### Athos

Solicits an audience with the king to request consent for Raoul's marriage to Mademoiselle de La Vallière, but is refused.

### Louis XIV

Receives Athos and denies the marriage request, citing La Vallière's lack of beauty, fortune, and rank, and preferring to wait.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Anxiously awaits the outcome of Athos's audience; is left in consternation after learning the king's refusal.

### Louise de La Vallière

Discussed as the prospective bride; the king deems her not rich or pretty enough for Raoul.

### De Guiche

Sends an urgent note to Raoul requesting his immediate presence for an affair requiring attention.

### Duke of Buckingham

Sends a letter to Raoul asking for his friendship and help in interpreting a message.

## Key lines

> I have come to speak on behalf of the Vicomte de Bragelonne.

Athos tells the king he is there to ask for Raoul's marriage consent.

_Athos formally presents Raoul's marriage request to Louis XIV._

> The young lady does not seem to me to be very pretty, comte.

The king remarks that La Vallière is not particularly attractive.

_Louis XIV expresses his low opinion of Louise's beauty._

> I do not wish him to marry so young; I do not wish him to marry her until she has acquired a fortune; and he, on his side, no less deserves favor, such as I wish to confer upon him.

The king insists that Raoul and Louise must wait before marrying, as he has greater plans for both.

_Louis XIV delays the marriage, citing the need for fortune and future favors._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/93-king-louis-xiv-does-not-think-mademoiselle-de-la-valli-re-either-rich-enough-or-pretty-enough-for-a-gentleman-of-the-rank-of-the-vicomte-de-bragelonne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters