# The Three Lieutenants of the Generalissimo explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Athos and Aramis navigate the political and military tensions of Paris, visiting key figures like the Duc de Bouillon and the Duc de Beaufort, observing the Fronde's internal divisions and the looming battle at Charenton.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

The nobles jockey for personal gain (e.g., Bouillon's estate, Beaufort's admiralty) while commoners are sacrificed.

### Revolution and Rebellion

Paris is in open revolt, with citizens arming and nobles leading factions against the crown.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Athos and Aramis navigate political alliances while maintaining their bond and loyalty to each other.

## Character check-ins

### Athos

Accompanies Aramis on political visits, maintains a philosophical and restrained demeanor, refuses to draw his sword unless necessary.

### Aramis

Eager to engage in the conflict and political maneuvering, accompanies Athos to meet the Duc de Bouillon and Duc de Beaufort.

### Planchet

Now a captain leading two hundred men on the Place Royale, proud of his new military role.

### Grimaud

Briefly alerts Athos and Aramis to Planchet's presence.

### Beaufort

Expresses discontent with his party, but welcomes Athos and Aramis warmly, recalling their past service.

### Rochefort

Reunites with Athos and Aramis at the Hôtel de Vendôme, proud of the duke's popularity.

### Bazin

Now in clerical dress, serves as a lackey in the coadjutor's palace, greets Athos and Aramis.

### Duc de Châtillon

Leaves the Duc de Beaufort's residence, exchanges words with Athos and Aramis about future meetings.

## Key lines

> Poor creatures! who are going to be killed, in order that Monsieur de Bouillon may have his estate at Sedan restored to him, that the reversion of the admiralty may be given to the Duc de Beaufort, and that the coadjutor may be made a cardinal.

Athos laments that common soldiers will die so that nobles can gain personal rewards.

_Reflects Athos's disillusionment with the Fronde's motives._

> I have made a resolution never to draw my sword save when it is absolutely necessary.

Athos declares he will only fight when forced, not for political causes.

_Highlights Athos's weariness and moral stance._

> Discontented, sir! say My Highness is furious!

Beaufort expresses extreme dissatisfaction with his faction.

_Shows the internal strife among the Fronde leaders._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-three-lieutenants-of-the-generalissimo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters