# In Which It Is Shown That if Porthos Was Discontented with His Condition, Mousqueton Was Completely Satisfied with His explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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