Twenty Years After · Chapter
XV: Athos as a Diplomatist explained
D'Artagnan spends a sleepless night reflecting on his reunion with Athos, noting his friend's intelligence and moral strength but also feeling unease about Athos's secrecy regarding the youth Raoul and the absence of Grimaud.
What happens
D'Artagnan spends a sleepless night reflecting on his reunion with Athos, noting his friend's intelligence and moral strength but also feeling unease about Athos's secrecy regarding the youth Raoul and the absence of Grimaud. The next morning, he observes Raoul sneaking out to visit a young neighbor, Mademoiselle de la Vallière, and overhears Athos discussing the boy's infatuation. D'Artagnan then attempts to recruit Athos for Mazarin's cause, but Athos vehemently rejects the Italian cardinal, praising the late Cardinal Richelieu instead. The conversation is interrupted by Raoul's return, and later d'Artagnan receives a letter from Mazarin ordering him back to Paris with a postscript to collect two hundred pistoles from the king's treasurer at Blois.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan's deep friendship with Athos is tested by his secret mission for Mazarin; he feels ashamed to deceive Athos, showing the tension between personal loyalty and duty.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan laments his stagnant career and seeks advancement through Mazarin, while Athos is content with his 'golden mediocrity' and rejects the cardinal's cause.
Power and Corruption
Athos condemns Mazarin as a corrupt, scheming Italian who insults the queen and steals from the state, contrasting him with the more honorable Richelieu.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Lies awake thinking about Athos's changes and his mission; observes Raoul's secret ride; attempts to recruit Athos for Mazarin but is rebuffed; receives orders to return to Paris.
- Athos
Shows intelligence and moral strength; is guarded after suspecting d'Artagnan works for Mazarin; speaks against Mazarin and praises Richelieu; discusses Raoul's infatuation with Mademoiselle de la Vallière.
- Raoul
Sneaks out at dawn to visit Mademoiselle de la Vallière; returns with a look of vexation; Athos considers sending him to Paris to break his attachment.
- Planchet
Accompanies d'Artagnan; is told they will visit the king's treasurer and then set off for Paris.
- Mazarin
Is the subject of d'Artagnan's recruitment attempt; Athos denounces him as a spiteful Italian and miser; sends d'Artagnan a letter ordering his return to Paris.
- Mademoiselle de la Vallière
Mentioned as the young neighbor whom Raoul secretly visits; Athos notes she is a little idol he has adored for years.
Key passages
“He admitted without annoyance the continued superiority of Athos over himself, devoid as he was of that jealousy which might have saddened a less generous disposition”
D'Artagnan accepted that Athos was still his superior without feeling jealous, a sign of his generous nature.
Highlights d'Artagnan's lack of envy and his genuine admiration for Athos.
“There is but one person, or rather, one cause, to whom a man like me can be useful—that of the king.”
Athos declares he will only serve the king, not Mazarin.
Shows Athos's principled stance and his rejection of Mazarin's authority.
“Return immediately to Paris.—J. M⸺.”
Mazarin orders d'Artagnan to come back to Paris at once.
The laconic letter from Mazarin prompts d'Artagnan to end his visit and head to Blois for funds.
