# One of the Forty Methods of Escape of the Duc de Beaufort explained — Twenty Years After > Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxiii-one-of-the-forty-methods-of-escape-of-the-duc-de-beaufort - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters