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Twenty Years After · Chapter

The Absolution explained

The executioner of Bethune, dying, confesses to a young monk that he was the instrument of a private vengeance, having killed a woman named Anne de Bueil.

What happens

The executioner of Bethune, dying, confesses to a young monk that he was the instrument of a private vengeance, having killed a woman named Anne de Bueil. The monk, who is actually John Francis de Winter, reveals that the woman was his mother and, refusing absolution, stabs the executioner to death before fleeing.

Themes in this chapter

  • Revenge and Justice

    Mordaunt's refusal to grant absolution and his stabbing of the executioner illustrate the theme of personal revenge overriding divine or legal justice.

Characters to notice

  • Mordaunt

    Disguised as a monk, he hears the executioner's confession and reveals himself as John Francis de Winter, son of the executed woman.

  • Milady

    Referred to as the executed woman, Anne de Bueil, mother of Mordaunt.

Key passages

  • “I, absolve you! I am not a priest.”

    Mordaunt reveals he is not a priest, denying the executioner absolution.

    Key moment of revelation and rejection of mercy.

  • “Pardon you! Perhaps God will pardon you, but I, never!”

    Mordaunt declares he will never forgive the executioner, contrasting divine forgiveness with human vengeance.

    Emphasizes the theme of revenge.

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Twenty Years After — The Absolution Explained