Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Carriage of Monsieur le Coadjuteur explained
D'Artagnan, needing to spirit the queen and king out of Paris, commandeers the carriage of the Coadjuteur (Gondy) by impersonating him.
What happens
D'Artagnan, needing to spirit the queen and king out of Paris, commandeers the carriage of the Coadjuteur (Gondy) by impersonating him. He seizes the coachman, dons his cloak and hat, and drives the royal family past the guards, who mistake the carriage for Gondy's. The queen, king, and his brother escape to safety.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Rebellion
The Parisian mob's uprising against Mazarin forces the court to flee; d'Artagnan's deception exploits the rebellion's symbols.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan's clever use of the Coadjuteur's carriage highlights social maneuvering and ambition to serve the monarchy.
Honor and Duty
D'Artagnan's actions are driven by his duty to the king and queen, risking his life to ensure their safety.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Commandeers the Coadjuteur's carriage, impersonates the coachman, and drives the royal family to safety.
- Mazarin
Mentioned as the target of the mob's anger; his servant Bernouin assists d'Artagnan.
- Anne of Austria
Queen mother who orchestrates the escape with d'Artagnan's help; initially hesitant but ultimately agrees.
- Louis XIV
The young king who is awakened and dressed for the escape; travels in the carriage with his mother and brother.
- Gondy
The Coadjuteur whose carriage is stolen by d'Artagnan; his arms on the carriage allow the deception.
- Planchet
Appears briefly, disguised as a clothier named Dulaurier, and cleverly avoids revealing his identity to the queen.
- Laporte
The king's valet who helps dress Louis XIV and accompanies the royal family in the carriage.
- Bernouin
Mazarin's servant who assists d'Artagnan by securing the coachman and leading him to the queen.
Key passages
“Instead of returning, then, by the Saint-Honoré gate, d’Artagnan, who had time before him, walked around and reentered by the Porte Richelieu.”
D'Artagnan took a detour through the Richelieu gate instead of the Saint-Honoré gate, having spare time.
Shows d'Artagnan's strategic thinking and familiarity with Paris.
“He was approached to be examined, and when it was discovered by his plumed hat and his laced coat, that he was an officer of the Musketeers, he was surrounded, with the intention of making him cry, “Down with Mazarin!””
The crowd recognized d'Artagnan as a musketeer officer by his hat and coat, and pressured him to shout anti-Mazarin slogans.
Illustrates the mob's hostility toward Mazarin and their expectation of public allegiance.
““Madame,” replied Planchet, respectfully, “I am called Dulaurier, at your service.””
Planchet introduced himself as Dulaurier to the queen, hiding his true identity.
Planchet's quick thinking prevents the queen from linking him to d'Artagnan.
““Monsieur the coadjutor’s carriage!” she exclaimed, falling back. “Yes, Madame,” said d’Artagnan; “but get in fearlessly, for I myself will drive you.””
The queen was shocked to see the Coadjuteur's carriage, but d'Artagnan reassured her that he would drive it himself.
Highlights d'Artagnan's audacity and the queen's initial distrust.
