The Man in the Iron Mask Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

As for Athos, he was too well acquainted with that tender but inflexible soul; he could not hope to make it deviate from the fatal road it had just chosen. He could only press the hand of the duke held out to him. (27.91)

It is a testament to the quality of Athos's character and his ever-present dignity that he doesn't create a giant scene when his only son wants to go into the war go die.

Quote #5

"I have given you reason to think that life has but one face; because, sad and severe, alas! I have always cut off for you- without, God knows, wishing to do so- the joyous buds which incessantly spring from the tree of youth; so that at this moment I repent not having made of you a more expansive, dissipated, animated man." (33.40)

Here Athos critiques his own parenting, saying that he didn't let Raoul have enough fun. Is that really the issue here? If Raoul was more fun, would he be alive by the end of the novel?

Quote #6

"I feel fatigued; it is the first time, and there is a custom in our family." (45.17)

Dumas uses Porthos's family to explain why the man's strength might falter.