Twenty Years After · Chapter
LXI: D’Artagnan Hits on a Plan explained
D'Artagnan devises a plan to rescue King Charles I by befriending Captain Groslow, a conceited and stupid officer guarding the king.
What happens
D'Artagnan devises a plan to rescue King Charles I by befriending Captain Groslow, a conceited and stupid officer guarding the king. He arranges a card game in the king's room, using the game as a distraction to draw the guards away from their posts. The four friends position themselves strategically, and as the game progresses, they prepare to act.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The four musketeers work together to rescue King Charles I, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to each other and to the king.
Revenge and Justice
D'Artagnan's plan aims to thwart the unjust imprisonment and trial of King Charles I, seeking a form of justice against the Parliamentarians.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Devises a plan to rescue King Charles I by befriending Captain Groslow and arranging a card game as a distraction.
- Porthos
Participates in the card game, losing money, but follows D'Artagnan's cues.
- Athos
Plays cards with Groslow, maintaining calm while preparing for the rescue.
- Aramis
Plays cards with Groslow, fumbling with his hidden dagger in anticipation.
- Groslow
The English captain guarding the king; D'Artagnan manipulates him through flattery and gambling.
- Charles Stuart
The imprisoned king, aware of the friends' presence and their plan.
- Parry
The king's lackey, reads a biblical verse to signal understanding of the plan.
- Grimaud
Lies on a truss of straw across the doorway to guard the friends' lodging.
Key passages
““Really, captain,” said d’Artagnan, determined to continue on the laudatory tack on which he had commenced, “the more I listen to you the more surprised I am at the easy and elegant manner in which you speak French.””
D'Artagnan flatters Groslow by praising his French, continuing his strategy to win the captain's trust.
D'Artagnan uses flattery to manipulate Groslow.
““You asked me just now if I was in funds,” said d’Artagnan, placing some twenty pistoles upon the table. “Well, in my turn I advise you to keep a sharp lookout on your treasure , my dear Monsieur Groslow, for I can tell you we shall not leave this without robbing you of it.””
D'Artagnan warns Groslow that he intends to win his money, hinting at the upcoming rescue.
D'Artagnan's double entendre signals the plan to both friends and the king.