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Chapter 52
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 dreams about d’Artagnan’s death before she is woken up by Felton. Early in the day, Milady pretends to act sick, hoping that she’ll get some sympathy from Felton. However, her ploy does not work. Later, Felton brings Milady a book used for Catholic mass. Realizing that Felton is probably a Puritan, Milady rejects the book and says that it does not reflect her religious views. She can tell that Felton is affected by her statement and thinks that she’s finally found a way to win him over.
Milady realizes that if she cannot win Felton over by seducing him, then she can use religion instead. Although the elites in England were largely Catholic in the early 1600s, many English citizens were Puritans who were unhappy with the ruling class. Milady identifies Felton as an example of this type of person, a clever observation that she can use to her advantage.
Themes
Literary Devices
Later in the day, Lord de Winter visits Milady and mocks her for her supposed religious views. Felton hears this conversation but says nothing. That night, Milady audibly prays and loudly sings hymns in a sensual tone. Eventually, Felton cannot resist, and he comes to talk to Milady. He’s never heard anything like Milady’s voice before. Nonetheless, he tells her that she needs to be quieter the next time she wants to sing. Milady agrees to do as Felton says, knowing she is starting to win him over.
As Lord de Winter correctly states, Milady is not a Puritan. In fact, she doesn’t seem to subscribe to any religion at all. However, she knows that she needs to act the part if she has any hope of escaping Lord de Winter’s castle. Apparently, despite Lord de Winter’s warnings, Milady’s charms are starting to work on Felton. All of the sudden, her situation is not hopeless.
Themes
