Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Three Musketeers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Friendship and Loyalty
Honor
Class and Power
The Secrets of the Past
Seduction and Romance
Summary
Analysis
Milady is surprised when d’Artagnan stops visiting her. Confused, she sends him a note telling him that he shouldn’t neglect his friends. D’Artagnan assumes that he now seems more appealing to Milady because the Comte de Wardes is no longer in the picture. Against his better judgment, d’Artagnan decides to pay Milady a visit. When he arrives, Kitty is immediately worried. However, d’Artagnan assures her that she has nothing to worry about; he does not plan to fall in love with Milady.
The nature of d’Artagnan’s intentions upon entering Milady’s home are unclear. Perhaps he doesn’t realize how infatuated he is with Milady. Regardless, the reality of the situation is that he is romantically interested in her whether or not he is willing to admit it. Kitty knows the truth, but she is helpless to do anything about it.
Themes
However, when d’Artagnan sees Milady, he is immediately entranced by her beauty. He also notices that she’s been crying. Almost immediately, d’Artagnan declares his love for her and asks for her love in return. Milady promises to grant him her love if he will kill the Comte de Wardes for her. D’Artagnan promises that he will do just that. However, he wants to know what he will get in return. Milady tells him to return to her at night to find out. D’Artagnan plans to meet up with her later in the evening, and he promises himself that he will be careful.
Although d’Artagnan’s actions are cruel, Milady is no different. She doesn’t actually care for d’Artagnan; she simply wants to use him as a tool for revenge. However, d’Artagnan cannot think rationally because he is too blinded by his love for Milady.
Themes
