# In Which It Is Shown That Under the Most Trying Circumstances Noble Natures Never Lose Their Courage, nor Good Stomachs Their Appetites explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

After escaping from the battle, the four musketeers regroup in a wood. D'Artagnan and Porthos urge a return to France, but Athos and Aramis resolve to stay in England to save King Charles I, having pledged their word to Queen Henrietta. Despite d'Artagnan's protests and practical arguments, Athos's noble resolve prevails, and the friends decide to remain together, with Porthos eventually agreeing. The chapter ends with them seeking dinner from a nearby house, blending high courage with earthly appetite.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The four musketeers debate their course but ultimately unite, with d'Artagnan and Porthos choosing to stay with Athos and Aramis out of loyalty.

### Honor and Duty

Athos and Aramis feel bound by their word to Queen Henrietta to save King Charles, prioritizing honor over personal safety.

### Class and Ambition

D'Artagnan and Porthos discuss ambition and future rewards, contrasting with Athos's selfless devotion to a higher cause.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Argues pragmatically for returning to France, but ultimately yields to Athos's resolve, showing his loyalty and fiery spirit.

### Athos

Insists on staying to save King Charles I, driven by honor and a promise to Queen Henrietta; speaks of noble sacrifice.

### Porthos

Initially hungry and eager for dinner, he supports Athos's plan after d'Artagnan's persuasion, showing his simple loyalty.

### Aramis

Silently supports Athos's decision, nodding in agreement, and shares the commitment to the royal cause.

### Mousqueton

Appears hungry and suggests seeking hospitality from a nearby house, providing a practical solution to their immediate needs.

## Key lines

> I believe that were you to fall in with the devil, you would conduct yourself so well that you would take him with you to Heaven.

D'Artagnan tells Athos that his virtue is so strong it could even convert the devil.

_Highlights Athos's moral integrity and d'Artagnan's admiration._

> Our good d'Artagnan represents among us the opposition in parliament, which always says no, and always does aye.

Aramis jokes that d'Artagnan objects to plans but ultimately agrees to them.

_Shows the dynamic of the group and d'Artagnan's reluctant but loyal nature._

> If we can succeed in saving the king it will be good; if we die for him it will be grand.

Athos says that saving the king is worthwhile, but dying for him is a noble end.

_Captures Athos's idealistic and sacrificial view of honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lix-in-which-it-is-shown-that-under-the-most-trying-circumstances-noble-natures-never-lose-their-courage-nor-good-stomachs-their-appetites
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
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