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 ends her story by telling Felton that her kidnapper branded her so that her reputation would be forever tarnished. Felton sobs at the conclusion of the story; he’s fallen completely in love with Milady and demands to know who could’ve done such a thing. Eventually, Milady tells him that it was the Duke of Buckingham. Felton—who already doesn’t like the duke because of his religious views—swears to avenge Milady.
To cover all of her bases, Milady even provides an excuse for the origin of her brand. Then, finally, she reveals her supposed abuser—the Duke of Buckingham. Milady knows that Felton is already prejudiced against the duke because he is a Catholic. In Felton, it appears that Milady has found the religious zealot that she promised the cardinal.
Themes
Milady also tells Felton that Lord de Winter’s brother, her former husband, had planned to kill the duke himself, but he never got a chance. Now that her story is over, Milady once again asks Felton to give her the knife. Felton will not give in. He promises that he will avenge Milady and keep her safe. He then kisses her.
As it turns out, Felton was not being entirely truthful when he told Lord de Winter that he wasn’t attracted to Milady. Although her beauty alone didn’t win Felton over, it certainly played a role, as is evidenced by the kiss he gives her.
Themes
Some of Lord de Winter’s guards hear voices coming from Milady’s cell so they decide to check up on what’s been happening. The guards knock on the door and Felton opens it. At the same time, Milady runs, grabs the knife, and claims she is going to kill herself with it. At the same time, Lord de Winter comes in and tells Felton that there is no way that she will actually commit suicide. In response, Milady stabs herself, but at an angle that she knows will only graze her. However, Felton is entirely taken in by the performance and he calls for a doctor. Lord de Winter, fearing Felton has been corrupted after all, sends him to fetch a doctor.
Milady’s clever use of the knife ends her impressive performance and wins Felton over to her side once and for all. However, Lord de Winter’s return suggests that even with Felton on her side, it might be difficult for Milady to escape.
Themes
