# XI: How d'Artagnan, in Discovering the Retreat of Porthos, Perceives That Wealth Does Not Necessarily Produce Happiness explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan visits Porthos at his château Bracieux, finding him wealthy but unhappy. Porthos, now a widower with forty thousand francs a year, laments his solitary life and lack of adventure. D'Artagnan recruits him for the cardinal's service, promising a barony, and Porthos agrees, eager for action.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Ambition

Porthos's desire for a barony and d'Artagnan's ambition for land and wealth drive their actions.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The reunion of d'Artagnan and Porthos highlights their enduring bond, though loyalty is now tied to political service.

### Poverty and Suffering

Despite Porthos's wealth, he suffers from loneliness and lack of purpose, illustrating that riches do not guarantee happiness.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Visits Porthos to recruit him for Cardinal Mazarin's service, promising a barony.

### Porthos

Wealthy but unhappy widower living at Bracieux; agrees to join d'Artagnan for the promise of a title.

### Mousqueton

Present at the château, wiping his eyes at d'Artagnan's arrival.

### Athos

Mentioned as living near Blois under the name Bragelonne; said to have adopted a young man.

### Aramis

Mentioned as having become a Jesuit monk; declined d'Artagnan's offers.

### Rochefort

Mentioned as having spoken of Porthos to the cardinal.

### Mazarin

The cardinal whom d'Artagnan represents; seeks to recruit Porthos.

## Key lines

> Ah! how delightful to see you again, dear friend! you've not then forgotten me?

Porthos joyfully greets d'Artagnan, expressing relief that their friendship endures.

_Porthos's emotional welcome underscores his isolation and longing for companionship._

> I am not happy.

Porthos confesses his unhappiness despite his wealth and possessions.

_This line encapsulates the chapter's theme that material wealth does not bring contentment._

> I shall fight heart and soul for Mazarin; but he must make me a baron.

Porthos agrees to serve Mazarin on the condition of receiving a barony.

_Porthos's ambition for a title motivates his decision to re-enter political and military life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xi-how-d-artagnan-in-discovering-the-retreat-of-porthos-perceives-that-wealth-does-not-necessarily-produce-happiness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters