# Conversational explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Mordaunt is confronted by the four musketeers in a tense standoff. After verbal sparring, Mordaunt chooses Athos as his opponent, but Athos refuses to duel him. Instead, lots are drawn and d'Artagnan is selected to fight Mordaunt. The duel begins but is interrupted by a sudden collapse of the ceiling, forcing the musketeers to flee.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Justice

Mordaunt seeks vengeance against the musketeers for his mother's death, while the musketeers confront him for his past actions.

### Honor and Duty

The musketeers adhere to dueling protocols and honor codes, with Athos refusing to fight Mordaunt on principle.

## Character check-ins

### Mordaunt

Captured and brought before the four musketeers; he demands a duel and chooses Athos, but eventually fights d'Artagnan.

### D'Artagnan

Leads the confrontation with Mordaunt, engages in verbal jousting, and is chosen by lot to duel him.

### Athos

Remains silent and motionless; refuses to duel Mordaunt, stating a duel between them is impossible.

### Porthos

Eager to fight, but steps back when d'Artagnan insists on dueling first; later helps plan the escape.

### Aramis

Writes the lots for the duel; expresses hatred for Mordaunt and is ready to fight.

## Key lines

> Sir, it seems to me that you change your costume almost as rapidly as I have seen the Italian mummers do, whom the Cardinal Mazarin brought over from Bergamo and whom he doubtless took you to see during your travels in France.

D'Artagnan sarcastically remarks that Mordaunt changes disguises as quickly as Italian performers brought by Cardinal Mazarin.

_D'Artagnan mocks Mordaunt's earlier disguise as an executioner._

> I hope, sir, you have no objection to make.

D'Artagnan asks Mordaunt if he accepts the outcome of the lot drawing.

_D'Artagnan is pleased to be chosen as Mordaunt's opponent._

> We must not leave this person the slightest pretext for behaving badly, which, with all due respect, I fancy he is anxious still to do.

D'Artagnan insists on giving Mordaunt no excuse for dishonorable conduct.

_D'Artagnan suspects Mordaunt may try to cheat or flee._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxix-conversational
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters