The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

We see the followup to the failure of Aramis' plan. He and Porthos have to make record-setting time to get far enough away from court, though wouldn't it make sense for pursuers to go right to Athos' place, to see if he knew of their whereabouts? The two plotters only end up there because they need horses. As I suspected, Athos knew nothing of the plot and didn't approve. He wasn't surprised at Fouquet's nobility. In another conversation, Athos even encourages Raoul to forgive Louise because she is really in love with the king. However, we got a hint that there is still a plot against her, so Louise's happiness may be short-lived.

Raoul decides to go off to "barbarian" lands to sacrifice himself fighting and/or become a Knight of Malta, known for their celibacy. Dumas drops heavy hints that Athos will never see his 2 friends again, and maybe it's the same for Raoul, once the troops are all supplied and Athos and Raoul part.

Does it seem like the story is winding down? Aramis and especially Athos have concern for poor sweet Porthos who still thinks he is going to become a duke. And Aramis is preparing for a standoff at Belle Isle and an escape to one of the countries where he now has a legion of followers.

I have just finished the chapters. It really feels as if the series is drawing to its end even though I still have almost 200 pages left to read.
Everyone seems to leave into all directions. Will our friends end up in all the regions that are or will be part of Louis XIV’s influence? He reigned over huge parts of the known parts of the Americas, he was active in colonizing Africa, and creating wars in Europe.

I am wondering what d’Artagnan is up too, as he seems to be ahead of all again. Will he join the mission to Africa? At least he does not seem to follow Aramis and Porthos on their way to Belle-Isle and eventually England, though he has his little house there.
The book feels as if there is not much left, but maybe I am mistaken considering the amount of pages outstanding. The book is called The Man in the Iron Mask, but I think he played only a minor part. All the scenes with him were rather short. Or is that d’Artagnan’s mission to take care of that unfortunate young man? This way we might fill 200 further pages with another smaller adventure.

I’m catching up slowly.
In this section I felt sad for Porthos but I guess ignorance is bliss. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I am schocked that Aramis was completely honest with Athos. I respect him more for it. I found myself wishing his plan would work and that he would go to Spain and reveal the existence of Philippe to all of Europe. I’m still surprised that no one else cares about Philippe.
In the next chapter during the visit of Baufort there was a mention of mistress he once had - the notes in my book mention that may be hint he was Mordaunt’s biological father. Interesting 🤔

When Athos goes to Planchette’s store Dumas makes fun of his lack of understanding of commercial matters. I guess Athos is just a the modern equivalent of a trust fund kid. He’s never had to truly worry about money or his future and always had his father’s wealth and estate to fall back on.
His brief musketeer career was more for fun than out of necessity. Very different from D’Artagnan whose father barely had enough money to send him to Paris.
I think that’s why Raul acts like such a cry baby.
I cannot understand his bizarre infatuation with Louise. OK - so she didn’t love him - move on and find another girl. I felt bad for him initially as he deserved better than her deception, but now that he’s just crying on his dad’s shoulder I don’t feel sorry for him. It’s time to get over it and move on. It may sound heartless but I’ve always been more like Scarlett from Gone with the wind. I don’t understand people who get so depressed by one instance of rejection and then proceed to ruin their whole life. You can tell everyone at court thinks Raoul is kind of pathetic in his ridiculous obsession with Louise. His decision to basically die a pointless death in a foreign country is certainly that of an entitled child who’s never had any real problems.

Glad you are still with us! It's fine if people read at their own pace and comment whenever you get there.

Yes, when he was Raoul's age, D'Artagnan thought he was crazy in love with Mme Bonacieux who he barely knew, but he moved on just fine. Raoul is actually kind of creepy in his obsession.

In the movie, the king wanted Louise for himself so he sent Raoul to war to get him out of the way. I think that’s a better story line.
Also in the movie Louis was more of villain - so when they replaced him with Philippe it seemed like a reasonable and just thing to do.
The book doesn’t have a villain. Or really ‘good’ guys.
🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes, although Louis is selfish and immature, he doesn't come off as a villain. It seems like Dumas wants to make Colbert a villain in the style of Mazarin. Someone miserly for the country and greedy for himself, not a grand plotter like Richelieu.