Chapters 1 - 6 Summary

The novel "Twenty Years After" by Alexandre Dumas tells the story of the reunion of d'Artagnan and his three musketeers two decades after their original conquests. The story touches on the themes of friendship, the strength of love and hate, betrayal and loyalty. As the plot progresses, the four friends deal with their disappointments in their lives, as well as their diverse opinions to work together.

Dumas opens his novel with a description of the conditions of Paris, France. The people are rebelling against Cardinal Mazarin because he has placed high taxes on them. Mazarin feels that he has special protection from the queen and will not be overthrown. In order to get a sense of what is going on in the city, Mazarin disguises himself as a musketeer. He requests that Lieutenant d'Artagnan, a musketeer in the king's service, to...