Twenty Years After · Chapter
Grimaud Begins His Functions explained
Grimaud, sent by Athos, presents himself at Vincennes and is hired as a keeper for the Duke de Beaufort.
What happens
Grimaud, sent by Athos, presents himself at Vincennes and is hired as a keeper for the Duke de Beaufort. He immediately begins his duties by confiscating a leaden comb from the duke, earning the duke's hatred. Later, Grimaud reveals his true purpose: he delivers a secret note from Madame de Montbazon, promising escape. Grimaud and the duke plan a ruse involving tennis balls to signal a helper in the moat. The duke agrees to trust Grimaud and continue feigning animosity to avoid suspicion.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and political reversal of Madame de Longueville…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Friendship and Loyalty
Grimaud's secret mission to aid Beaufort's escape demonstrates loyalty to Athos and the friends conspiring for the duke's freedom.
- Revenge and Justice
Beaufort's plan to hang a crawfish in effigy of Mazarin reflects his desire for revenge against the cardinal.
Characters to notice
- Grimaud
Hired as a keeper at Vincennes; secretly aids the Duke de Beaufort's escape by delivering a note from Madame de Montbazon and planning a signal.
- Beaufort
Prisoner at Vincennes; initially hostile to Grimaud but later trusts him after receiving the escape note.
- La Ramée
Keeper who hires Grimaud and later leaves the duke alone briefly to get a pâté.
- Chavigny
Governor of Vincennes who approves Grimaud's hiring based on his taciturn demeanor.
- Madame de Montbazon
Sends a secret note to Beaufort via Grimaud, promising escape.
- Athos
Implied as the one who trained Grimaud and orchestrated his mission.
Key passages
“Grimaud thereupon presented himself with his smooth exterior at the donjon of Vincennes.”
Grimaud arrived at the Vincennes fortress with his usual calm and unremarkable appearance.
Grimaud begins his undercover role as a keeper.
“The duke opened the purse and wanted to empty it into Grimaud’s hands, but Grimaud shook his head. 'Thank you, Monseigneur,' he said, drawing back; 'I am paid.'”
The duke tried to give Grimaud gold from the purse, but Grimaud refused, saying he was already compensated.
Grimaud's loyalty is not for money; he serves a higher purpose.
