Twenty Years After · Chapter
Two Angelic Faces explained
D'Artagnan and Planchet travel to Blois to visit Athos, fearing he has become a broken, drunken man.
What happens
D'Artagnan and Planchet travel to Blois to visit Athos, fearing he has become a broken, drunken man. Upon arrival, they find Athos remarkably well-preserved, dignified, and living in a comfortable château. Athos introduces d'Artagnan to his guests and to Raoul, a young man he has raised. Raoul returns from an accident involving Mademoiselle de la Vallière, who has sprained her ankle. The chapter ends with the guests departing and Athos gently scolding Raoul.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan's journey to see Athos and the emotional reunion highlight the enduring bond between the former musketeers.
Aging and Change
D'Artagnan's fears about Athos's decline contrast with the reality of Athos's dignified aging and regenerated life.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Travels to Blois with Planchet, anxious about seeing Athos again; deeply moved by the reunion.
- Planchet
Accompanies d'Artagnan as a trusted confidant; recognizes Athos and is overcome with emotion.
- Athos
Found living in a well-kept château, remarkably unchanged and dignified; warmly welcomes d'Artagnan.
- Raoul
A fine young man of fifteen, raised by Athos; returns from helping Mademoiselle de la Vallière after her accident.
- Grimaud
Mentioned as absent from the château at the time of d'Artagnan's visit.
Key passages
“I know that my going to Athos is useless and absurd; but still I owe this courtesy to my old friend, a man who had in him material for the most noble and generous of characters.”
D'Artagnan acknowledges that visiting Athos may be pointless, but feels obligated out of respect for his noble friend.
Reflects d'Artagnan's sense of duty and loyalty despite his doubts.
“Strange! Athos was scarcely aged at all! His fine eyes, no longer surrounded by that dark line which nights of dissipation pencil too infallibly, seemed larger, more liquid than ever.”
D'Artagnan is surprised to find Athos looking youthful and clear-eyed, without the signs of heavy drinking he had expected.
Highlights the theme of aging and change, and d'Artagnan's mistaken assumptions.