Twenty Years After · Chapter
LXXXIII: Strength and Sagacity explained
D'Artagnan and Porthos are imprisoned in a pavilion at Rueil.
What happens
D'Artagnan and Porthos are imprisoned in a pavilion at Rueil. D'Artagnan paces restlessly while Porthos sleeps after a heavy meal. D'Artagnan reflects on their 83 hours of captivity and rejects Porthos's simple escape plan, arguing that without arms or a password they would be caught. He insists on a more cunning approach, recalling their past defeat by Mordaunt and the need to preserve their reputation. Comminges visits, revealing that Athos is also a prisoner nearby. D'Artagnan feigns humility and resignation, asking Comminges to request an audience with Mazarin for himself and to convey his respects to Athos. After Comminges leaves, D'Artagnan joyfully tells Porthos they are saved, hinting at a plan for the night.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan and Porthos rely on each other in captivity, and d'Artagnan's joy at hearing from Athos underscores their enduring bond.
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's arbitrary imprisonment and the guards' control illustrate the corrupt use of power.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan's strategic humility and ambition to outwit Mazarin highlight class dynamics and personal ambition.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Imprisoned with Porthos, he paces and strategizes, feigning resignation to Comminges while secretly planning escape.
- Porthos
Imprisoned with d'Artagnan, he sleeps and eats heartily, frustrated by the repeated mutton meals, but trusts d'Artagnan's plan.
- Comminges
Visits the prisoners, conveys Athos's greetings, and agrees to request an audience with Mazarin for d'Artagnan.
- Athos
Mentioned as a prisoner nearby; Comminges delivers his compliments to d'Artagnan and Porthos.
- Mazarin
Referenced as the cardinal who imprisoned them; d'Artagnan hopes to manipulate him through Comminges.
Key passages
“We have been in this place nearly eighty-three hours.”
We've been stuck here for about three and a half days.
D'Artagnan marks the duration of their imprisonment.
“We ought, in our adventures, never to be defeated or give anyone a chance to laugh at us.”
In our exploits, we must never fail or let anyone mock us.
D'Artagnan emphasizes the importance of maintaining their reputation.
“I don't believe that Monsieur de Mazarin thinks of cutting off our heads, for heads are not taken off without previous trial; a trial would make a noise, and a noise would get the attention of our friends.”
I doubt Mazarin plans to behead us without a trial, which would draw our friends' attention.
D'Artagnan reassures Porthos about their safety.
“If Athos knows where we are, if he opens communication with us, before long Athos will act.”
If Athos learns our location and contacts us, he'll soon take action.
D'Artagnan's hopeful thought upon hearing from Athos.