Twenty Years After · Chapter
XLVIII: The Riot Becomes a Revolution explained
The queen, Anne of Austria, faces a full-blown revolution as the Parisian mob demands the release of Councillor Broussel.
What happens
The queen, Anne of Austria, faces a full-blown revolution as the Parisian mob demands the release of Councillor Broussel. Despite her fierce resistance, she is forced to sign the order after the palace gates are breached, with Mazarin and Gondy pressuring her to yield.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
The queen's abuse of power and Mazarin's manipulative control are exposed as the mob forces their hand.
Revolution and Rebellion
The Parisian mob's uprising directly challenges royal authority, forcing the queen to capitulate.
Class and Ambition
Gondy's ambition for a cardinal's hat and d'Artagnan's thoughts on personal gain highlight class dynamics and self-interest amidst the revolt.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Observes the queen's confrontation from a hidden closet, ready to intervene.
- Porthos
Accompanies d'Artagnan in the closet, listening and ready to act.
- Mazarin
Urges the queen to sign Broussel's release, speaking in Spanish to calm her.
- Anne of Austria
Queen of France, initially defiant but forced to sign the order under threat of mob violence.
- Gondy
Coadjutor who mediates between the queen and the people, securing the release order.
- Comminges
Reports the mob's attack and receives the queen's initial command to use force.
- La Meilleraie
Maréchal who conveys the people's demands after being rescued by Gondy.
- Louvières
Leads the mob outside the Palais Royal, halting them at Gondy's signal.
Key passages
“The queen was standing in the room, pale with anger; her self-control, however, was so great that it might have been imagined that she was calm.”
Anne of Austria stood pale with rage, but her composure was so strong she appeared calm.
Describes the queen's controlled fury during the crisis.
“Release Broussel! she cried, never!”
The queen refused to free Broussel, shouting 'never!'
Highlights Anne's initial defiance against the mob's demand.
“Sign, Anne, I implore you — I command you.”
Mazarin begged and then ordered the queen to sign the release order.
Mazarin's desperate plea to save the monarchy.