Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Ferry Across the Oise explained
Raoul, traveling toward Flanders, writes a letter to Athos expressing his loneliness and affection, then continues his journey.
What happens
Raoul, traveling toward Flanders, writes a letter to Athos expressing his loneliness and affection, then continues his journey. At the Oise ferry, he witnesses a young man and his horse drowning after the ferryboat breaks loose. Raoul heroically dives in to rescue them, successfully bringing the young count and his horse to shore, aided by the tutor d'Arminges.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Raoul's deep affection and loyalty to Athos are evident in his letter and his thoughts; he also shows selfless courage in rescuing a stranger.
Honor and Duty
Raoul acts out of a sense of duty and honor, risking his life to save the drowning count, reflecting his upbringing by Athos.
Characters to notice
- Raoul
Travels toward Flanders, writes a letter to Athos, and heroically rescues a drowning young count at the Oise ferry.
- Athos
Mentioned as Raoul's guardian and the recipient of his letter; Raoul recalls his guidance and affection.
- Olivain
Raoul's servant, accompanies him on the journey and reluctantly follows his master into the river.
- Count de Guiche
The young man rescued by Raoul; he is addressed as 'Monsieur le Comte' by his tutor.
Key passages
“The aspect of external objects is often a mysterious guide communicating with the fibres of memory, which in spite of us will arouse them at times; this thread, like that of Ariadne, when once unraveled will conduct one through a labyrinth of thought, in which one loses one’s self in endeavoring to follow that phantom of the past which is called recollection.”
The sight of familiar places can unexpectedly stir deep memories, leading the mind into a maze of reflection about the past.
Describes Raoul's melancholic reverie triggered by a château that reminds him of La Vallière.
“Courage! said he, courage! we are coming to your aid.”
Raoul shouts encouragement to the drowning man as he swims toward him.
Shows Raoul's bravery and determination during the rescue.