The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Where, Probably, Molière Obtained His First Idea of the Bourgeois Gentilhomme explained
D'Artagnan finds Porthos delighted with Molière, who has taken his measurements using a novel method involving a mirror and assistants, without physically touching him.
What happens
D'Artagnan finds Porthos delighted with Molière, who has taken his measurements using a novel method involving a mirror and assistants, without physically touching him. Aramis invites Molière to Saint-Mandé for the Epicureans' costumes. Porthos recounts the process with admiration, while d'Artagnan suspects Molière will use the idea in a comedy.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Raoul reaches his emotional and psychological nadir, fully interna…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Class and Social Mobility
Porthos's delight at being treated with respect by a 'tailor' highlights the absurdities of social pretension and the blurring of class lines.
- Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's amused observation of Porthos's naivety and his suspicion that Molière will exploit the scene for comedy suggests a playful dynamic among friends.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Observes Porthos's satisfaction, converses with him about Molière's method, and suspects Molière will use the scene in a play.
- Porthos
Radiant after having his measure taken by Molière without being touched; recounts the process with enthusiasm.
- Aramis
Greets Porthos, then takes Molière to Saint-Mandé for the Epicureans' costumes.
- Molière
Disguised as a tailor's clerk, takes Porthos's measurements using a mirror and assistants; invited by Aramis to Saint-Mandé.
Key passages
“Monsieur,' said he, 'that your dress may fit you well, it must be made according to your figure. Your figure is exactly reflected in this mirror. We shall take the measure of this reflection.'”
Molière tells Porthos that the mirror will allow them to measure his reflection instead of his body.
Molière's innovative method of measuring Porthos without physical contact.
“My friend, he has done that which no tailor ever yet accomplished: he has taken my measure without touching me!”
Porthos marvels that Molière measured him without any physical contact.
Porthos's admiration for Molière's respectful technique.
