Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Abbé Scarron explained
Athos and Raoul attend a gathering at the home of the disabled poet Abbé Scarron, where the salon is filled with nobles and literati.
What happens
Athos and Raoul attend a gathering at the home of the disabled poet Abbé Scarron, where the salon is filled with nobles and literati. The conversation turns to Scarron's loss of his pension due to Cardinal Mazarin's displeasure. Amid the social maneuvering, Aramis (the Abbé d'Herblay) and the coadjutor Gondy exchange secret words, while Madame de Chevreuse arrives and gives Athos a letter promising good reception for Raoul. Raoul is kissed by the duchess and later learns he will depart for the army of Monsieur le Prince. The chapter closes with Scarron observing the hidden plots and retiring for the night.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Ambition
The salon gathering highlights social hierarchies and the ambitions of nobles and literati, as well as Raoul's entry into military service.
Power and Corruption
Mazarin's arbitrary removal of Scarron's pension illustrates the corrupt use of power against those who displease the cardinal.
Revolution and Rebellion
Secret conversations between Gondy and Aramis, and the presence of Madame de Chevreuse, hint at plotting against the crown.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Attends Scarron's salon with Raoul, receives a letter from Madame de Chevreuse, and advises Raoul on conduct.
- Raoul
Accompanies Athos to the salon, is noticed by Mademoiselle Paulet, receives a kiss from Madame de Chevreuse, and learns he will become a soldier.
- Aramis
Present as Abbé d'Herblay, converses secretly with the coadjutor Gondy, and greets Athos.
- Abbé Scarron
The host, a witty paralytic poet whose pension has been stopped by Mazarin; observes the intrigues of his guests.
- Madame de Chevreuse
Arrives at the salon, gives Athos a letter for Raoul's benefit, and kisses Raoul's forehead before departing.
- Gondy
The coadjutor, enters the salon and exchanges secret words with Aramis.
- Mademoiselle Paulet
A tall woman with golden curls, known as 'La Lionne'; she notices Raoul and speaks sharply about Voiture.
- Voiture
Mentioned as being ill; the guests discuss his condition and his poetry.
Key passages
“Well, said the coadjutor, on seeing him, you are in disgrace, then, abbé?”
Gondy greets Scarron by acknowledging that he has fallen out of favor with the cardinal.
This sets the tone for the evening's discussions about Scarron's lost pension.
“Monsieur, the Cardinal Mazarin has been so kind as to think of me, he said.”
Scarron sarcastically thanks Mazarin for revoking his pension.
Shows Scarron's wit in the face of adversity.
“Madame, he is very happy in owing any obligation to you.”
Athos tells Madame de Chevreuse that Raoul is fortunate to be indebted to her.
Highlights the social exchange of favors.
“Vicomte, may my good wishes and this kiss bring you good fortune!”
Madame de Chevreuse kisses Raoul's forehead and wishes him luck.
A dramatic and affectionate gesture that leaves Raoul stunned.
“Come, vicomte, it is time for you to go to bed; you will start in the morning for the army of Monsieur le Prince. Sleep well your last night as citizen.”
Athos tells Raoul to rest because he will leave at dawn to join the prince's army.
Marks Raoul's transition from civilian to soldier.
