Twenty Years After · Chapter
One of the Forty Methods of Escape of the Duc de Beaufort explained
The Duc de Beaufort, imprisoned at Vincennes, eagerly anticipates his escape, which he has been planning with the help of Grimaud.
What happens
The Duc de Beaufort, imprisoned at Vincennes, eagerly anticipates his escape, which he has been planning with the help of Grimaud. During a supper with his keeper La Ramée, Beaufort distracts him with talk of escape methods while Grimaud gags and binds La Ramée. They flee to the ramparts, where a silk cord is used to descend; the cord breaks, injuring Grimaud, but Beaufort successfully climbs down and meets Rochefort and other allies, escaping to freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Beaufort's escape is motivated by vengeance against Chavigny and Mazarin, and he imagines the dramatic impact of his freedom on his enemies.
Friendship and Loyalty
Grimaud's loyalty to Beaufort is demonstrated through his risky assistance, and the allies waiting outside show their devotion.
Characters to notice
- Beaufort
The prisoner, eager for escape and vengeance against Chavigny and Mazarin; he orchestrates the escape with Grimaud's help.
- Grimaud
The sullen servant who assists Beaufort; he gags La Ramée, descends first on the cord, and is injured when the cord breaks.
- La Ramée
The keeper of the prison, fond of good food and wine; he is tricked and gagged by Beaufort and Grimaud during the escape.
- Rochefort
One of the gentlemen waiting outside the moat to assist Beaufort's escape.
- Chavigny
The governor of the prison, absent on a journey; Beaufort hates him for petty persecutions.
- Mazarin
The minister whom Beaufort execrates; his escape would be a blow to Mazarin.
Key passages
“Unlike other men, who enter with ardor upon a perilous resolution and grow cold as the moment of execution approaches, the Duc de Beaufort, whose buoyant courage had become a proverb, seemed to push time before him and sought most eagerly to hasten the hour of action.”
While most people lose their nerve as a dangerous plan nears execution, Beaufort's famously bold spirit made him impatient to act.
Highlights Beaufort's characteristic courage and eagerness for the escape.
“In his escape alone, apart from his plans for the future, which, it must be admitted, were for the present sufficiently vague and uncertain, there was a beginning of vengeance which filled his heart.”
Beyond any unclear future plans, Beaufort's escape itself was driven by a desire for revenge.
Emphasizes the revenge theme underlying the escape.
“Grimaud seemed to him an Antinous.”
In Beaufort's hopeful imagination, the grim Grimaud appeared as beautiful as the classical youth Antinous.
Shows how Beaufort's perception of Grimaud changes due to his reliance on him.
“Free! free! free!”
Beaufort shouts in triumph as he rides away, savoring his newfound liberty.
Climactic expression of Beaufort's joy at escaping prison.