Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Man in the Mask explained
After King Charles I's execution, the four musketeers reunite.
What happens
After King Charles I's execution, the four musketeers reunite. Athos is distraught, having witnessed the king's death from under the scaffold. D'Artagnan reveals he followed the masked executioner to a house and set a watch on him. The friends resolve to hunt down the mysterious executioner, suspecting he may be a gentleman. They gather at the house, where Grimaud reports that a second man has entered, and they prepare to confront the occupants.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
The friends unite to hunt the masked executioner, seeking justice for the king's murder and personal vengeance for the dishonor done to nobility.
Friendship and Loyalty
Despite initial tension and reproaches, the four musketeers reaffirm their bond and cooperate to track the executioner, showing their enduring loyalty to each other.
Honor and Duty
Athos is consumed by grief and a sense of duty to the fallen king, while d'Artagnan's pursuit of the executioner is driven by a sense of honor and the need to restore nobility's reputation.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Deeply affected by the king's execution; he heard everything from under the scaffold and carries the king's blood on his handkerchief.
- Aramis
Was with the king until the last moment; received the king's order and cross to return to the queen.
- Porthos
Arrives late after being delayed by dancing crowds; he throttled a man and evaded a patrol.
- D'Artagnan
Followed the masked executioner after the execution; set Grimaud and Parry's brother to watch the house, and now leads the friends to confront him.
- Grimaud
Stationed at the back of the house; reports that a second man has entered and points out a lighted window.
- Mousqueton
Called by d'Artagnan to release the executioner from the cellar.
Key passages
“But,” said Athos, “who is the wretch that has dared to raise his hand against his king?” “An amateur headsman,” replied Aramis, “who, however, does not handle the axe amiss.” “Did you not see his face?” asked Athos. “He wore a mask.””
Athos asks who the villain was that killed the king; Aramis calls him an amateur executioner who is skilled with the axe. When Athos asks if Aramis saw his face, Aramis says the man wore a mask.
Reveals the mystery of the executioner's identity and the mask.
““Well, in my absence haven’t I put in my place Grimaud and the Scotchman? Before he had taken ten steps beyond the door I had examined the house on all sides. At one of the doors, that by which he had entered, I placed our Scotchman, making a sign to him to follow the man wherever he might go, if he came out again. Then going around the house I placed Grimaud at the other exit, and here I am. Our game is beaten up. Now for the tally-ho.””
D'Artagnan explains that he set Grimaud and Parry's brother to watch the house, one at each exit, and now they are ready to hunt the executioner.
Shows d'Artagnan's strategic planning and leadership in the pursuit.
““Are you still bent on departure, Athos?” asked d’Artagnan. “No, I remain,” replied Athos, with a threatening gesture that promised no good to whomsoever it was addressed.”
D'Artagnan asks if Athos still wants to leave; Athos decides to stay, making a threatening gesture that indicates he intends to harm the executioner.
Athos's decision to stay marks his commitment to vengeance.