Twenty Years After · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The chapter consists of endnotes providing historical and explanatory references for the main text, including a note on Mazarin's secret marriage to Anne of Austria, a reference to The Three Musketeers, a mention of a secret passage in the
What happens
The chapter consists of endnotes providing historical and explanatory references for the main text, including a note on Mazarin's secret marriage to Anne of Austria, a reference to The Three Musketeers, a mention of a secret passage in the Palais Royal, a definition of a sacerdotal officer, a description of the poire d'angoisse gag, and an explanation of the sandy hills near Dunkirk.
Characters to notice
- Mazarin
Referenced in the endnote about his secret marriage to Anne of Austria.
- Anne of Austria
Referenced in the endnote about her secret marriage to Mazarin.
Key passages
“It is said that Mazarin, who, though a cardinal, had not taken such vows as to prevent it, was secretly married to Anne of Austria.”
Mazarin, despite being a cardinal, did not take vows that forbade marriage, and he is rumored to have secretly wed Anne of Austria.
Endnote referencing La Porte's Memoirs.
“This poire d’angoisse was a famous gag, in the form of a pear, which, being thrust into the mouth, by the aid of a spring, dilated, so as to distend the jaws to their greatest width.”
The 'poire d'angoisse' was a pear-shaped device inserted into the mouth that expanded via a spring, forcing the jaws wide open.
Explanation of a historical torture device.