ades to help him in his quests. D’Artangnan tells them nothing of the details simply that they are likely to perish on the journey. Yet, all the friends immediately and without query agree to assist D’Artangnan. Another example is D’Artangnan’s extreme loyalty to the queen and his love Madame Bonacieux. D’Artagnan accepts several dangerous missions from the queen. He risks life and limb to help save the queen from scandal. And again endangers himself in an attempt to rescue his beloved Madame Bonacieux. It is D’Artagnan’s loyalty that actually makes him a musketeer. The Cardinal, D’Artagnan’s archenemy, is so impressed by the Gascon, that he makes him a musketeer and later makes him an officer. Another example of loyalty displayed in the book is the fidelity the servants have for their masters. They travel along with the four brave musketeers and share in the same danger that their masters endure. The setting plays a crucial role in The Three Musketeers. The time period represented in the book differs from modern times. It is an age of chivalry and gentlemen. There are certain societal expectations, especially on a young nobleman like D’Artagnan. These pressures are why D’Artagnan is so eager to fight and uphold his honor. The laws of chivalry also create the paradox of the cardinal being D’Artagnan’s archrival and yet still act as his friend at times. Also, it was an age of Aristocracy. But, the cardinal also possessed great power, due to the mainly catholic nature of France at that time. Another significant element is the hostile state between France and England. This is meaningful during the trysts between the queen and the Duke of Buckingham. Also, since the book occurs before the advent cars or airplanes, transportation was limited to ships or horse-powered transportation. Also, communication was limited to messengers. This allows for e...
