# The Castle of Bragelonne explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan visits Athos at his estate, Bragelonne, and is astonished by the change in his friend. Athos explains that he has inherited the property and devoted himself to raising the orphan Raoul, which has reformed his character. They discuss their past, including the execution of Milady, and the fates of their former comrades. Raoul returns from an accident, and the chapter ends with a supper where old memories are shared.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The reunion of d'Artagnan and Athos highlights their enduring bond, with Athos reflecting on the deep roots of friendship in honest hearts.

### Aging and Change

Athos discusses how raising Raoul has reformed his character, contrasting his past wildness with his present settled life.

### Revenge and Justice

Athos and d'Artagnan discuss their past execution of Milady, with Athos expressing a belief that blood demands expiation.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Visits Athos at Bragelonne, astonished by the changes in his friend and the estate.

### Athos

Hosts d'Artagnan, explains his reformed life and his role as guardian to Raoul.

### Raoul

Athos's ward, returns from an accident and is introduced to d'Artagnan.

### Planchet

D'Artagnan's servant, recommended to the care of Athos's servant Charles.

### Porthos

Mentioned by d'Artagnan as having been visited recently at Pierrefonds.

### Aramis

Mentioned as having been seen by d'Artagnan, noted as cold and involved in intrigues.

### Mousqueton

Mentioned in d'Artagnan's description of Porthos's household.

## Key lines

> Everything had turned out so differently from what he expected that he was stupefied with wonder.

D'Artagnan was amazed because nothing went as he had anticipated.

_D'Artagnan's surprise at Athos's transformed life and estate._

> I was dried up like a miserable tree, isolated, attached to nothing on earth; it was only a deep affection that could make me take root again and drag me back to life.

Athos felt he was withered and alone until his love for Raoul revived him.

_Athos explains how Raoul changed his life._

> Perhaps all blood demands some expiation. Hers had been accomplished; it remains, possibly, for us to accomplish ours.

Athos suggests that killing Milady may require atonement for them as well.

_Athos reflects on the moral consequences of their past actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xiv-the-castle-of-bragelonne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters