Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Flight explained
D'Artagnan orchestrates the escape of Cardinal Mazarin from Paris amidst political unrest.
What happens
D'Artagnan orchestrates the escape of Cardinal Mazarin from Paris amidst political unrest. After a grand banquet at the Palais Royal, Mazarin entrusts d'Artagnan with the mission to escort the queen and king to Saint Germain. Disguised as an officer, Mazarin joins d'Artagnan and Porthos in a carriage. They encounter three patrols: the first laughs off d'Artagnan's jest, the second (led by Planchet) is deceived by a story of Porthos's injury, and the third, a menacing group, threatens to stop them. D'Artagnan prepares to force their way through.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's manipulative trust and the queen's political maneuvering highlight the corrupt use of power to preserve authority.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan's ambition drives him to accept a dangerous mission, while Mazarin's fear of the mob reflects class tensions.
Revolution and Rebellion
The Parisian patrols and the threat of violence underscore the revolutionary atmosphere and the rebellion against Mazarin's rule.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Leads the escape plan, showing coolness and cunning; negotiates with Mazarin and the queen, and deceives patrols.
- Mazarin
Frightened but determined to flee Paris; disguises as an officer and relies on d'Artagnan's protection.
- Porthos
Accompanies d'Artagnan in the carriage, feigns injury to deceive Planchet's patrol.
- Mousqueton
Reluctantly joins the escape, riding behind the carriage despite his wound.
- Anne of Austria
Hosts the banquet and play; confirms the escape plan with d'Artagnan, smiling graciously.
- Planchet
Leads a citizen patrol that stops the carriage; is deceived by d'Artagnan's story about Porthos's wound.
Key passages
“It is very fortunate , said d’Artagnan to himself.”
D'Artagnan thought the situation was quite lucky.
Reflects d'Artagnan's private satisfaction with the unfolding plan.
“I never swear, my lord, I say yes or no; and, as I am a gentleman, I keep my word.”
D'Artagnan refuses to swear an oath, asserting that his word as a gentleman is sufficient.
Highlights d'Artagnan's integrity and independence.
“Liar! thought d’Artagnan.”
D'Artagnan silently accused Mazarin of lying.
Shows d'Artagnan's distrust of Mazarin's motives.
“I shall pass through those who attack me.”
D'Artagnan vows to force his way through any attackers.
Demonstrates d'Artagnan's determination and confidence.
“Bricconi! muttered he.”
Mazarin muttered 'rascals' under his breath.
Reveals Mazarin's fear and contempt for the mob.