Twenty Years After · Chapter
Te Deum for the Victory of Lens explained
The chapter describes the public celebration of the victory of Lens, with a Te Deum sung at Notre Dame.
What happens
The chapter describes the public celebration of the victory of Lens, with a Te Deum sung at Notre Dame. Amid the festivities, the political tension between the court and the parliament simmers. D'Artagnan and Porthos encounter Raoul, who is caught up in the turmoil surrounding the arrest of Broussel. D'Artagnan instructs Raoul to become a Frondist and acts as his guardian in Athos's absence. The chapter also follows Friquet's antics and the chaotic rescue attempts for Broussel, culminating in a confrontation where D'Artagnan spares Broussel's son, Louvières.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Rebellion
The chapter depicts the growing popular unrest and the Fronde's resistance to royal authority, with the mob attempting to free Broussel.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan's pragmatic advice to Raoul to join the Fronde reflects the shifting allegiances and ambitions tied to social class and political power.
Honor and Duty
D'Artagnan spares Louvières out of respect for his filial duty, and Raoul's intervention highlights the code of honor among the musketeers.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Acts as Raoul's guardian in Athos's absence, instructs him to become a Frondist, and later leads the musketeers in controlling the mob during Broussel's arrest.
- Porthos
Arrives with torn coat after fighting in the crowd, drinks wine, and follows d'Artagnan to visit the cardinal.
- Raoul
Bewildered by the events, he is told by d'Artagnan to join the Fronde and is forbidden to leave the room until the tumult ends.
- Comminges
Commands the guards during the arrest of Broussel and is assisted by d'Artagnan in transferring the prisoner.
- Friquet
Plays truant from Bazin, beats a drum with slate pieces, and later steals Raoul's horse while shouting 'Broussel!'
- Broussel
The councillor whose arrest sparks the riot; his son Louvières attempts to rescue him.
- Louvières
Broussel's son, who aims a gun at d'Artagnan but is spared after Raoul intervenes.
- Guitant
Commands the queen's Guards regiment that marches from the Palais Royal to Notre Dame.
Key passages
“I hope you have no repugnance to accept me as your guardian in the interim.”
D'Artagnan offers to act as Raoul's temporary guardian.
D'Artagnan assumes responsibility for Raoul in Athos's absence.
“become a Frondist, my friend, belong to the Fronde, and remember that I fill the count's place in everything”
D'Artagnan instructs Raoul to join the Fronde rebellion.
D'Artagnan aligns himself with the anti-Mazarin faction.
“I have knocked down more than twenty with the hilt of Balizarde.”
Porthos boasts of defeating many attackers with his sword.
Porthos's physical prowess is displayed during the riot.
“Ah, gentlemen of the parliament, we shall see what you will say now!”
The young king exults over the victory of Lens, expecting to silence parliamentary opposition.
The victory strengthens the court's hand against the parliament.
“if I take you, you will be hung!”
D'Artagnan warns Louvières to flee to avoid execution.
D'Artagnan spares Broussel's son out of mercy.
