The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Round of M. de Gesvres explained
D'Artagnan, after being denied access to the king at Nantes, grows increasingly frustrated as he is repeatedly turned away.
What happens
D'Artagnan, after being denied access to the king at Nantes, grows increasingly frustrated as he is repeatedly turned away. He attempts to see Louis XIV but is blocked by M. de Gesvres, Brienne, and Lyonne. When Lyonne refuses him entry, d'Artagnan offers his resignation, which the king accepts. D'Artagnan prepares to leave for Vannes, but M. de Gesvres intercepts him with a dozen guards, ostensibly to bring him to the king, though d'Artagnan suspects he is being arrested. The chapter highlights d'Artagnan's pride, the king's coldness, and the shifting power dynamics at court.
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
- Honor and Loyalty
D'Artagnan's offer of resignation and his defiance in the face of perceived disrespect underscore his personal honor, while the king's actions test the limits of loyalty.
- Power and Ambition
Louis XIV asserts his authority by denying d'Artagnan access and accepting his resignation, demonstrating the ruthless exercise of royal power.
- Friendship and Betrayal
D'Artagnan's concern for Porthos and Aramis at Belle-Isle contrasts with the king's cold treatment, highlighting the tension between personal bonds and political duty.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Frustrated and proud, he offers his resignation after being denied access to the king, then prepares to leave for Vannes before being intercepted by Gesvres.
- Louis XIV
The king refuses to see d'Artagnan, accepts his resignation, and orders his round-up, demonstrating his growing authority and distance from his former captain.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Mentioned as working with the king at the castle, reinforcing his role as the king's trusted minister.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Referenced by d'Artagnan as a 'gallant man' with whom he might be imprisoned, highlighting the parallel between their downfalls.
- Porthos
Worried about by d'Artagnan, who fears he may be taken or killed during the siege of Belle-Isle.
- Aramis
Also on d'Artagnan's mind as a resourceful friend potentially in danger at Belle-Isle.
Key passages
“We shall live very sociably together, I will be sworn.”
D'Artagnan sarcastically remarks that if he is imprisoned with Fouquet, they will get along well.
Reflects d'Artagnan's defiance and his respect for Fouquet despite the king's actions.
“Since the captain of the Musketeers, who has always entered the king’s chamber, is no longer allowed to enter it, his cabinet, or his salle à manger, either the king is dead, or his captain is in disgrace.”
D'Artagnan declares that being barred from the king's presence means either the king is dead or he is in disgrace.
Highlights d'Artagnan's wounded pride and the symbolic importance of access to the monarch.
