Twenty Years After · Chapter
In Which It Is Shown That if Porthos Was Discontented with His Condition, Mousqueton Was Completely Satisfied with His explained
D'Artagnan reflects on human discontent while visiting Porthos, who is unhappy despite his wealth and desires a barony.
What happens
D'Artagnan reflects on human discontent while visiting Porthos, who is unhappy despite his wealth and desires a barony. In contrast, Mousqueton is perfectly content and only wishes to be called 'Mouston' for dignity. D'Artagnan feels remorse for involving them in a new campaign, but Porthos eagerly prepares for adventure, while Mousqueton is dismayed at leaving his peaceful life.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Ambition
Porthos desires a barony to elevate his status, while Mousqueton seeks dignity through a name change, highlighting the importance of social rank.
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan feels remorse for endangering his friends' peace, and Porthos insists on bringing Mousqueton out of loyalty.
Aging and Change
The contrast between the peaceful present and the dangerous past underscores how the characters have aged and changed.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Reflects on human discontent and feels remorse for involving Porthos and Mousqueton in his schemes.
- Porthos
Discontented with his condition, desires a barony, and eagerly prepares for a new campaign.
- Mousqueton
Perfectly satisfied with his life, only wishes to be called 'Mouston'; dismayed at the prospect of leaving his peaceful existence.
- Planchet
Mentioned as a former lackey now a confectioner in the Rue des Lombards; confirms d'Artagnan's reassurances to Mousqueton.
- Athos
Mentioned in d'Artagnan's plan to visit him at Blois; his maxim about drinking is recalled.
- Aramis
Mentioned dismissively by d'Artagnan as a 'little coxcomb with his too good luck.'
- Rochefort
Mentioned in the context of Planchet's adventure rescuing him.
- Mazarin
Addressed in d'Artagnan's letter reporting his progress.
Key passages
“In the position of Porthos, d’Artagnan would have been perfectly happy; and to make Porthos contented there was wanting—what? five letters to put before his three names, a tiny coronet to paint upon the panels of his carriage!”
D'Artagnan reflects that he would be perfectly happy in Porthos's situation, while Porthos only lacks a title and a coat of arms to be content.
Highlights the theme of ambition and the triviality of social status.
“Sir, the favor I have to ask of you is, not to call me ‘Mousqueton’ but ‘Mouston.’ Since I have had the honor of being my lord’s steward I have taken the last name as more dignified and calculated to make my inferiors respect me.”
Mousqueton requests to be called 'Mouston' for greater dignity in his role as steward.
Illustrates Mousqueton's contentment and desire for respect.
“I shall pass all my life , thought d’Artagnan, in seeking for a man who is really contented with his lot.”
D'Artagnan muses that he will spend his life searching for someone truly satisfied with their circumstances.
Reflects d'Artagnan's philosophical observation on human nature.
