Twenty Years After · Chapter
In Which It Is Shown That It Is Sometimes More Difficult for Kings to Return to the Capitals of Their Kingdoms, Than to Make an Exit explained
Athos and Aramis return to Paris to persuade the duchesses de Longueville and de Chevreuse to accept the peace treaty.
What happens
Athos and Aramis return to Paris to persuade the duchesses de Longueville and de Chevreuse to accept the peace treaty. Aramis convinces Madame de Longueville by promising her the viceroyalty of Normandy and other rewards, while Athos gently persuades Madame de Chevreuse, who eventually agrees. Meanwhile, d'Artagnan and Porthos escort the cardinal to Saint Germain. The royal procession returns to Paris amid a tumultuous crowd, and d'Artagnan defends the king and cardinal against an organized attack, killing one of the insurgent leaders.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mazarin uses bribery (a thousand louis) to buy public acclamation, and the duchesses are swayed by promises of viceroyalties and money.
Class and Ambition
Madame de Longueville and Madame de Chevreuse, as noblewomen, negotiate for power and status, while d'Artagnan and Porthos serve as loyal guards.
Revolution and Rebellion
The Parisian crowd's organized attack on the royal procession reflects ongoing revolutionary sentiment against Mazarin and the court.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Visits Madame de Chevreuse to persuade her to accept the peace, using diplomacy and personal charm.
- Aramis
Convinces Madame de Longueville to support the peace treaty by promising her the viceroyalty of Normandy and other benefits.
- D'Artagnan
Guards the king's side of the carriage during the royal entry into Paris and kills an insurgent leader in the skirmish.
- Porthos
Guards the cardinal's side of the carriage, reassuring Mazarin with his strength and presence.
- Mazarin
Anxious about the Parisian crowd, he relies on Porthos for protection and is displeased by the hostile cries.
- Anne of Austria
Anxious for the king's safety, she instructs d'Artagnan to stay close and later prompts the young king to thank him.
- Raoul
Enters briefly to announce the king's entry into Paris; Athos decides to send him to war in Flanders due to his youthful love.
- Madame de Chevreuse
Initially resistant to peace, she is persuaded by Athos and agrees to visit Bragelonne incognito as Marie Michon.
Key passages
“War had made her a queen; peace brought her abdication.”
The war had elevated her to a position of power, but peace would force her to give up that status.
Describes Madame de Longueville's attachment to the war for her own political gain.
“The Fronde is a comedy, of which the first act only is played.”
The Fronde is like a play that has only just begun, with more acts to come.
Aramis suggests that the peace is temporary and further conflict is likely.
“I think I should like the other fellow better than this one”
Mazarin prefers d'Artagnan's approach over Porthos's brute force.
Mazarin's internal thought comparing d'Artagnan's cunning to Porthos's strength.
