Subject: Dumas, Alexandre, The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers
by Alexandre Dumas pere
historical action,
first published (in French) 1844
read (in English) March 2024
rated 6/10: read to pass the time
... but 7/10 (well worth reading) if you believe that a classic should actually be read.
This book is a "swashbuckler": with heroic, chivalrous swordsmen who fight for justice. That's according to wikipedia.
The story is well-known... until I start reading.
Yes, the heroes are heroic. They are also brave and clever. And broke.
They fight for honour, fame and... fortune. They have no money. they convince other people to invite them all to meals.
They are scrupulous in the fairness of their duels against other gentlemen. They beat their lackeys. Other peasants are ignored.
Women are seduced. Yes, for sex but mainly so that the woman will use her husband's money to pay the musketeer's expenses.
There are four key villains. The Cardinal, who threatens, admires and rewards the heroes. There is Milady, the only truly evil villain.
And the shadowy Rochefort who eventually, well, read it for yourself. His end is surprising but entirely suitable.
I was expecting a book of slashing swords and altruistic heroism. The swords are there but very little altruism. Dumas himself, writing 200 years after the time of the story, notes that attitudes had changed. In another near 200 years, attitudes have (perhaps) changed even more.
This book is a "swashbuckler": with heroic, chivalrous swordsmen who fight for justice. That's according to wikipedia.
The story is well-known... until I start reading.
Yes, the heroes are heroic. They are also brave and clever. And broke.
They fight for honour, fame and... fortune. They have no money. they convince other people to invite them all to meals.
They are scrupulous in the fairness of their duels against other gentlemen. They beat their lackeys. Other peasants are ignored.
Women are seduced. Yes, for sex but mainly so that the woman will use her husband's money to pay the musketeer's expenses.
There are four key villains. The Cardinal, who threatens, admires and rewards the heroes. There is Milady, the only truly evil villain.
And the shadowy Rochefort who eventually, well, read it for yourself. His end is surprising but entirely suitable.
I was expecting a book of slashing swords and altruistic heroism. The swords are there but very little altruism. Dumas himself, writing 200 years after the time of the story, notes that attitudes had changed. In another near 200 years, attitudes have (perhaps) changed even more.
If you want a book with a similar story, similar characters -- but all a lot more fun -- try The Phoenix Guards.
02apr24: Although... I do prefer my heroes to be honest, upright and, well... heroic. The Disney version perhaps. I do not like the Dumas Musketeers.
Perhaps they are more acceptable for other readers... or to the modern-day French. It's their classic after all.
Still, Phoenix Guards is more fun :-)
Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
===
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood
===
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood
No comments:
Post a Comment