# The Interview explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan receives simultaneous summons from Queen Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin. He first visits the queen, who reminds him of past service and asks for his loyalty, then meets with Mazarin, who attempts to send him on a mission. Both appointments converge at five o'clock, and d'Artagnan suspects a shared purpose.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Ambition

D'Artagnan and Porthos seek advancement—captaincy and barony—through royal and cardinal favor.

### Power and Corruption

Mazarin and the queen vie for d'Artagnan's loyalty, using promises and manipulation.

### Friendship and Loyalty

D'Artagnan's bond with Porthos is evident; he remains cautious yet faithful to his promises.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Summoned by both the queen and Cardinal Mazarin; shrewdly navigates conflicting loyalties.

### Porthos

Shares d'Artagnan's room; dreams of armorial bearings and is promised a barony.

### Anne of Austria

Queen of France; privately meets d'Artagnan in the oratory, recalling his past devotion.

### Mazarin

Cardinal; attempts to send d'Artagnan on a mission but changes his mind after visiting the queen.

### Bernouin

Mazarin's valet; introduces d'Artagnan into the cardinal's presence.

## Key lines

> It had been d’Artagnan’s practice, ever since the riots, to sleep in the same room as Porthos

Since the riots began, d'Artagnan and Porthos had been sharing a room.

_Establishes the close quarters and ongoing unrest._

> The queen wishes to speak to Monsieur d’Artagnan, who must follow the bearer.

The queen summons d'Artagnan immediately via a servant.

_First summons, setting the chapter's dual-appointment plot._

> If it is a snare,” replied d’Artagnan, “I shall scent it out, be assured. If Mazarin is an Italian, I am a Gascon.

D'Artagnan trusts his Gascon cunning to detect any trap from the Italian cardinal.

_Highlights d'Artagnan's self-confidence and regional pride._

> I know that you belong to the cardinal, but belong to me as well, and I will take upon myself the making of your fortune.

The queen asks d'Artagnan to serve her despite his ties to Mazarin, promising reward.

_Queen Anne's direct appeal for loyalty and patronage._

> Armed to the teeth!” replied Mazarin.

Mazarin instructs d'Artagnan to come fully armed.

_Foreshadows danger in the upcoming meeting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/l-the-interview
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters