Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Abbé d’Herblay explained
D'Artagnan visits Aramis, now an abbé living in a Jesuit convent, and they discuss the political turmoil in France.
What happens
D'Artagnan visits Aramis, now an abbé living in a Jesuit convent, and they discuss the political turmoil in France. Aramis criticizes Mazarin as an upstart and reveals his connections with the Fronde, while d'Artagnan remains cautious. They reminisce about their past adventures, fence with words about loyalty and ambition, and part as friends, each uncertain of the other's true allegiance.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan and Aramis renew their bond, but their conversation reveals underlying mistrust and divergent loyalties.
Class and Ambition
Aramis criticizes Mazarin as an upstart, while both friends discuss their own ambitions and social standing.
Revolution and Rebellion
The chapter foreshadows the Fronde, with Aramis hinting at joining the rebellion against Mazarin.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Visits Aramis to sound him out about political allegiances and reminisce about their past.
- Aramis
Now an abbé living in a Jesuit convent, he criticizes Mazarin and hints at involvement with the Fronde.
- Bazin
Aramis's servant, now lazy and disapproving of his master's worldly talk.
- Planchet
D'Artagnan's servant, active and vigilant, holding the horses.
- Mazarin
Discussed as an upstart and a tool of party, criticized by Aramis.
- Porthos
Mentioned as having estates and a barony, and as a potential retreat for d'Artagnan.
Key passages
“Monsieur de Mazarin is not a man of genius, as I thought, he is a man of no origin—once a servant of Cardinal Bentivoglio, and he got on by intrigue. He is an upstart, a man of no name, who will only be the tool of a party in France.”
Aramis dismisses Mazarin as a low-born schemer who rose through cunning, not merit.
Aramis reveals his contempt for Mazarin and his alignment with the anti-Mazarin faction.
“Let us join with that side to which the wind will carry it and resume our adventurous life. We were once four valiant knights—four hearts fondly united; let us unite again, not our hearts, which have never been severed, but our courage and our fortunes.”
D'Artagnan proposes they reunite and follow whichever faction offers the best opportunity.
D'Artagnan's pragmatic and adventurous spirit, seeking to revive their old camaraderie for gain.
“I compose sermons, my friend. ... I sell them to those of my cloth who wish to become great orators.”
Aramis makes money by writing sermons for other priests.
Aramis's worldly and mercenary approach to his religious vocation.