The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (Ch. 1-11)

[Jamie]

This is for the discussion of The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas chapters 1-11.

[Jamie]

I am going to be able to join this discussion and will start soon!

[Gaijinmama]

I just finished Chapter 7.
A great read, so far.

[Ryan]

It's interesting to read novels like this and Quixote and others of a similar type of character and get swept up in the chivalry. It's quite the contrast from the way writers construct their heroes now. I wonder when the romantic idea of chivalry started to fade.

[Nilgün]

jep I am here, I have got a problem with my net. So but not with my book, am on page 200 ;)

[Nilgün]

respectfull man, have wonderful...
wow the palace intrigue, love-pain...

I am on chapter 16...

[Jamie]

I finally started! I just read the first two chapters but I am already liking it. I need to read up on some history of the time. I did not realize the novel follows d'Artagnan who wants to be a Musketeer but is not one of the three Musketeer Athos, Porthos and Aramis. I like that you can get the view of an outsider and that it is not in first person.

[Ryan]

Yeah, Dumas writes a lot of historical fiction. I have no idea where he took creative liberties.

[Jamie]

I finished chapters 1-11. I am really liking the book so far. There has not been a dull moment yet. I do find it funny how chivalrous they are (or try to act) but how easily they kill and find taking a mistress and her money even if she has a husband as no big deal but I guess everyone has their faults.

[Ryan]

Yeah. I think the notion of chivalry in the novel is interesting. The moral compass dictating the ethical and moral actions of the Musketeers, at times, seems to be spinning in a number of different directions. It reminds me of Quixote. I feel like the impetus driving the actions of Quixote and the Musketeers is quite a paradox as they act both selflessly and selfishly simultaneously. I think when all is said and done they are primarily motivated by a prestige gained only by acting for the welfare of others. Perhaps Quixote a bit more, but there are a number of moments in the Musketeers where it feels that way.

[Jamie]

I do like how they all help each other and are close friends. Today they would be almost like a gang.

[Courtny]

I'm about 70% through and I have really enjoyed the novel thus far. Like Jamie I was also surprised that the D'artangen isn't an actual Musketeer. I love the friendship among the men. I am also interested in the historical aspects that drive the plot. I look forward to finishing the novel and reading more of the books about the Musketeers.

[Nilgün]

Jamie wrote: "I do like how they all help each other and are close friends. Today they would be almost like a gang."

Agree, and one point more. there is so an respect to eachother to lissten wath they say or tolk.

[Matthew]

Ryan wrote: "I wonder when the romantic idea of chivalry started to fade"

Long before the 3 musketeers. Chivalry reached it peak in the 12th C court of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Don Quixote was more of a satire on the errant knights of the past.