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Reader discussion: The three musketeers
Public reader discussion about The three musketeers in the WeRead Catalog by Alexandre Dumas.
The Three Musketeers - Chapters 1 - 8
By Red98
I picked up *The Three Musketeers* and was honestly kind of shocked to find out it’s supposed to be a kids’ book. At least my William Barrow translation labels it as a children’s classic. That doesn’t totally make sense to me, since I know the story originally ran in *Le Siècle*—and I can’t picture tons of children buying a newspaper in 1844.
That said, I did like how fast Dumas jumps in. We meet d’Artagnan pretty much right away—poor kid from Gascon—and then he heads to Paris and, at his very first stop, ends up in a fight with some mysterious person. He’s clearly brave, but also kind of a hothead, which is already setting the tone.
Once we’re in Paris, we get introduced to a bunch of characters, but I kept especially noticing the three Musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. I thought it was funny how d’Artagnan somehow manages to get on each of their bad sides separately, and then they all show up together later for the same duel. And Dumas really goes all-in on the action—when Cardinal’s men crash the duel, it turns into this great showdown. It felt like the kind of moment they’d obviously all connect over.
I’m still not sure who my favorite Musketeer is. Right now I’m leaning away from d’Artagnan because of his rashness. Athos is probably my favorite just because he comes off wise and serious. Porthos is hard not to like—he’s cheerful and kind of entertaining. And Aramis is the one I can’t fully figure out yet; he’s relaxed but also mysterious.
Overall, I’m getting the feeling I’m going to really enjoy this. It already brought in some iconic characters, kept things moving with action, and even made me laugh. I think it’s going to be a fun adventure.
So… do you actually think it’s meant for kids? It’s definitely easier for me to read than something like *The Brothers Karamazov*.
Also, what was your first impression of the story? Any scene or chapter you liked right away?
And do you have a Musketeer you’re already rooting for, or do you need to get further in to decide?
The Three Musketeers Reading Schedule
By martenepilogue
Hey! For the December Gutenberg pick it’s The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. It’s a pretty long one, so the reading pace looks kinda intense, but I’m betting it’ll be a really great story. Goodreads calls it one of the most celebrated and popular historical romances, which sounds hard to argue with.
Schedule is:
- 12/4 ch 1–8
- 12/7 ch 9–16
- 12/11 ch 17–24
- 12/14 ch 25–32
- 12/18 ch 33–40
- 12/21 ch 41–48
- 12/26 ch 49–56
- 12/29 ch 57–64
- 12/31 ch 65–68
If you’re joining in, let me know if it’s a re-read for you, your first time, or anything you’re thinking about Dumas/The Musketeers. Excited to chat!
Read The Three Musketeers. Spectacular
By hardcover_reason
If you’ve ever been curious why *The Three Musketeers* is so famous, you should just read it already.
I don’t think I’ve found many books that pull you in like this one. It’s honestly incredible. Not that many books really hold up over time, and it feels like basically everyone’s heard of this at some point.
I hadn’t read it before (same reason you’d expect—because it’s a classic, because it’s old, etc.), but I think I missed out. It might be the best thing I’ve ever read, right up there with *The Count of Monte Cristo*. It’s pretty long and there are parts that are a bit of a slog, but overall it’s totally worth it. One warning though: the setup/exposition is kind of tough to get through and not very exciting at first, but it improves.
Three Musketeers Translation Differences
By Precheck-Bookish10
Dumas’ The Three Musketeers is still one of my go-to books from when I was a kid. I’ve been trying to track down an English translation to add to my personal library. I keep seeing a few big ones (Public Domain, William Barrow, Richard Pevear, and the 2018 Lawrence Ellsworth). Does anyone know what the main differences are between them? And which one would you actually suggest buying today?
The Three Musketeers: Chapter 46 discussion
By Superuser
Honestly, I just wanted them to have a quiet meal too. Having to duck into some battlefield fort just to get a peaceful breakfast feels way too relatable.
Also, Grimaud just seems like he’s getting more sad and pathetic as it goes—he’s so trapped in it all, it’s hard not to feel bad.
And between all the political drama and the whole swashbuckling act, this book has been surprisingly funny sometimes, like full-on comedy/farce moments. Was it really the kind of story and vibe you were expecting?
TIL That Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, was one of the first examples of the modern bestelling author...right down to the army of ghost writers, of which he employed 73.
By QuietSummer
I’m pretty sure it’s “doomaaa,” not “dumb-ass.”
Do you think Alexandre Dumas' portrayal of Milady de Winter in The Three Musketeers is sexist?
By Pine_Paperback56166
Kinda new around here, just a heads-up that this space is for actual talk about books and other literature stuff—plays, poems, short stories, novels, all that. Literary criticism/history/theory and related news are fine too.
But it’s not the place to ask for book recommendations or get homework help.
Also there are a bunch of rules: you’re supposed to tie your post to lit in some way, and if you’re posting discussion you need to include your own thoughts/analysis (not just questions). No curriculum/homework posts, no “recommend this edition” requests, no ads or self-promo, no memes/pic links, no asking for writing feedback, and don’t do random low-effort videos.
Spoilers have to be properly marked. And they don’t want AI-generated content either.
There’s also a list of sister subs and friends in the arts, and they point people to a different place if you’ve got questions you want experts to weigh in on.
The Three Musketeers: Wrap Up post
By bookishshelf29
Okay, after ten weeks of swashbuckling fun…!
A couple things that stuck with me: the Musketeers kind of get treated like one unit, but you can really tell they’re all different just from who they choose as servants.
Also, d’Artagnan’s story feels like a pretty classic Hero’s Journey—going from this fresh 18-year-old kid to a 21-year-old guy with real status and power.
So yeah, what did everyone else think overall? Are you guys feeling good about how the character arcs ended up, or do you want more with them?
And since there are so many movie versions, is anyone planning to watch one and then compare it to the book?
I've been reading The Three Musketeers (Alexandre Dumas) and the musketeers line up perfectly with the yu yu crew
By crimson-bee
Nice work with that mustache
Announcement: The Three Musketeers is our next Read Along
By StampGlad5
Thanks everyone for voting—looks like **The Three Musketeers** by Alexander Dumas is the one we’re doing next!
We’ll start digging in on **March 22nd**. The mods are still putting together the schedule and checking the different translation options, so keep an eye out for updates.
In the meantime, you can totally read or listen for free with the links, or grab your own copy sometime in the next couple weeks (library, bookstore, Kindle, whatever works).
Hope you can join us—this should be a pretty fun swashbuckling ride.
The D'Artagnan Romances/ The Three Musketeers
By HawkBirch2001
If you’re into Europe’s early modern stuff (the 1600s), the D’Artagnan series is pretty interesting, starting with *The Three Musketeers*. There are five books total and they’re each around 600 pages, but the first two feel like they stand on their own, so you can totally stop there if you’re not sure. The last three are more connected though—so if you get that far, it probably means you’re already into it.
They mix a bunch of genres (action, romance, drama, and comedy). The funny parts are pretty low-key, not overdone, but they are still genuinely funny once you get used to the humor and the way it’s written.
I will say *Three Musketeers* starts out a little boring for me—there’s a minute where you’re adjusting to the style and the jokes—but after a few chapters I ended up liking it a lot. The second book picks up 20 years later and basically has the same things I loved in the first one, and the characters felt even more developed. I just finished *Vicomte de Bragelonne* and I still feel the same way, though the plot is naturally getting more intense with more characters showing up (and they’ve aged a lot, since the series covers about 30ish years total, with each part covering roughly a year). Also, it’s in 1800s English, or at least translated that way.
Next up are *Louise de la Vallière* and *The Man in the Iron Mask*.
The Three Musketeers are assholes
By BrightVelvetEagle25
I’ve been into the Musketeers since I first watched the 1973 movie, but I only just got around to the actual book now. I even read The Man in the Iron Mask first, so I probably should’ve had a better idea of what I was in for. Even knowing that one is supposed to be the darker story, I was still kind of shocked by how these guys behave in the novel.
Basically, they’re a bunch of jerks.
They go around dueling, which is illegal, then end up fighting guards who are trying to arrest them for doing something illegal, and they hurt and kill people like there’s no real fallout. Athos gets egged on into revealing his real name before a duel, then basically decides the other guy has to die and kills him. Porthos is mooching off a married woman, Athos only became a Musketeer after doing the French version of an honor killing, and all of them are awful to their servants. Athos hits his servant if he talks back, and they all think D’Artagnan should do the same. They take money from whoever they can, stir up chaos everywhere, and kill a lot of people really casually.
Still, I kind of love them for it.
My friend and I used to call them “varsity athletes who can get away with anything” in the movie, but I’d assumed a lot of that was just the Richard Lester vibe and not the actual novel. It was pretty entertaining reading about them holding wine cellars hostage, making zero effort to avoid fights, and somehow not even realizing rent was something they were supposed to pay until the landlord told them. They’re not good people, but they’re fun to read about.
I just finished The Three Musketeers and thought it was fantastic. I was hoping some enlightened redditors would let me know if the the other two d'Artagnan Romances are worth reading?
By sky_sage
So there are like 3 or 4 more, right, that end with The Man in the Iron Mask? I’m pretty sure I’ve got at least one of them, I just haven’t started yet. I’ve been trying to wait until I have all of them first. But yeah, The Three Musketeers is honestly one of my all-time favorite books.
The Three Musketeers: Chapter 23 discussion
By Superuser
This chapter felt kind of tense and off in a way—I don’t know, like everything was trying to lure d’Artagnan into trouble. Bonacieux definitely clocked something wasn’t right. And Treville having to push caution just made it worse, like that was the one thing nobody wanted to hear. Planchet’s worries didn’t seem to stop anything either, especially once Mme. Bonacieux got involved… I’m not sure what to expect next, but the whole thing has that ominous vibe for d’Artagnan’s reckless choices. Also I keep thinking about that last detail—of all times, they’re getting a breakfast of chocolate when the four friends are in distress.
The Three Musketeers in Assassins Creed
By pineChapter
So I was reading up on the musketeers and apparently they were real—started way back in 1622—French elite soldiers who worked for the King. And of course Dumas turned them into *The Three Musketeers* in 1844, which I’ve seen a bunch of adaptations of, so I figured they were basically all fictional. But then I find out the main four might have been based on actual guys.
Like, there really were people named D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. I’m not totally sure how close everything was, but it looks like Athos was Armand d’Athos (joined in 1640, died in a duel in 1643), Porthos was Isaac de Porthau, Aramis was Henri d’Aramitz, and D’Artagnan was Charles de Batz de Castelmore d’Artagnan. Also apparently Athos and Porthos were cousins, which is a wild connection I didn’t expect. And there are even hints they all overlapped in the one year they served together and were on good terms then, even if we don’t really know the full details.
There’s also Cardinal Richelieu, but from what I’m seeing he wasn’t quite the cartoon villain the book and adaptations make him out to be. Still ruthless and manipulative, sure, but more like working alongside the King rather than going against the throne.
Anyway, I’m guessing Dumas basically took what little history there was and ran with it. So I’m wondering—if Assassins Creed ever decided to do 1600s France, could this whole thing fit into that world? And do you think any of those musketeer guys could’ve been Assassins or Templars, or would they just be regular historical “background” characters?
Is 3 Musketeers as yappy as CoMC?
By lost-stamp471
I’m considering picking up The Three Musketeers, but I’m wondering if it moves at the same pace as The Count of Monte Cristo. Are the other Alexandre Dumas books kind of like that too, or are they slower/faster?
TIL that Alexandre Dumas (Author of The Three Musketeers, etc.) was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, hero of the French Wars of Revolution and the highest ranking officer of African descent ever to serve in a European army
By VerseRagingly
He basically only got that high rank because everything was so chaotic, and honestly some of it feels like he threw his own commander under the bus.
Also, Chevalier de Saint-Georges—who had originally led that Legion of black French soldiers—ended up getting arrested, and then his subordinate somehow managed to get promoted twice in just a few days. Both times they skipped a rank, so he went from lieutenant colonel straight to general almost immediately, which just feels wild to me.
And kind of a fun extra thing: Alexander Dumas’ great-grandson (so also Thomas’ great-great-grandson) was in the Olympics as a fencer and won a bunch of gold medals.
Do you think Milady de Winter from The Three Musketeers is a Complete Monster?
By Cosmos-Heron
I know there’s this TV Tropes trope called Complete Monster, or Pure Evil, and it’s basically for the absolute worst characters in a franchise. There are a bunch of rules for it, but the big ones are stuff like:
- The character has to have basically ZERO redeeming qualities. Even if they start out with some, they can still count if they lose them. But even one tiny redeeming trait can knock them out of the trope.
- They need to do really awful crimes that the story treats seriously, and they have to be worse than most other villains in that same story. Their level of power matters too. So if they’re a ruler with tons of people under them, they have to do even bigger horrors to stand out. If they’re someone with less power, like a lone killer, then they can still qualify if what they do is bad enough for what they have. If their actions aren’t extreme enough compared to the story, then they don’t count. The crimes also have to clear a few different “heinous” standards:
- The basic standard: this is the one all villains have to pass no matter what. So the villain needs to do worse stuff than animal cruelty, theft, abuse unless it’s really extreme, or just trying to kill the main cast, since lots of villains do that.
- The standard of the work: they have to be judged against the other villains in that same series or franchise. So a villain in something lighter, like My Little Pony, should be compared to other villains from that world, not to super grim stuff like Warhammer 40000 or Berserk. And the same goes the other way around.
- The resource standard: again, what they can actually do and how much power they have matters.
- The system standard: if they’re part of some organization, they need to be the worst one there, or one of the worst if it’s a huge group.
3) Their motive, or the character themselves, is never shown in a sympathetic way, and there’s no excuse for what they did, or if there is one it’s not played sympathetically. Even if they had trauma or whatever, that doesn’t make the story try to make you feel sorry for them. Basically, you’re not supposed to sympathize with them at all.
4) They have to understand right and wrong enough to make choices. So someone who’s totally brainwashed, possessed, or from a race/culture that doesn’t get morality at all can’t count. But mentally ill characters can still count if they still know the difference between right and wrong, like the Joker.
5) They have to be taken seriously, not played for laughs. Even if they’re funny sometimes, they can still count if the story treats them seriously. But if the story itself treats them like a joke, especially in kids’ stuff, then no.
6) They need to actually show up in the story. If they’re only talked about and never appear, they don’t count. And if all their crimes happen off-screen/off-page and we only hear vague descriptions, that also doesn’t work.
7) We’re not really supposed to feel bad for them when something bad happens to them, because their punishment is deserved and the story doesn’t frame it like tragedy for them.
8) The story itself has to actually have some plot and not just be pure shock/exploitation. A horror book or movie can still have one, but it needs more going on than just “bad guy does evil stuff for no reason.” That’s why stuff like Human Centipede and Serbian Film don’t count as having Complete Monsters on TvTropes, even though the villains are disgusting.
9) They have to meet all of that, not just some of it.
Milady is listed as a Complete Monster, but I’ve seen some people say she’s sympathetic in a way, even though I don’t really buy that.
So what do you think? Is Milady actually a Complete Monster or not? If not, why not — and if you can, give examples from the books.
The Three Musketeers discussion: chapter 1
By Superuser
Hey everyone, welcome to the new folks! The mod’s gonna drop some questions for each chapter, but you don’t have to stick to them at all. If there’s something you wanna talk about from the chapter, jump in. If it’s anything that connects to later stuff, please put it in spoiler tags. And be cool with people who are reading for the first time.
Prompt ideas:
- Okay, we’re straight into it—what were your first impressions of d’Artagnan? Also, what did you think about him picking a fight with the guy who made fun of his yellow horse?
- He’s got parents giving him encouragement, advice, and even a recipe for a healing salve. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten from family?
- It feels kind of secretive—orders that shouldn’t be opened until England, like, not a second sooner.
- He sold the horse even though his dad told him not to. That’s gonna be a problem, right? And he still got to Paris without the letter of recommendation—do you think that’ll seriously mess him up?
TIL D'Artagnan the Musketeer was a real person. Fictionalized versions of Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan's life have been around since the 1700s with the most famous one being written by Alexandre Dumas.
By turtleDistant
If you heard it today the way I did—through the news—then maybe they’ve found his grave already.