HAPTER XIV. A GOSSIP ON A NOVEL OF DUMAS’S

In “A Gossip on a Novel of Dumas’s,” the author explores the enduring appeal and personal significance of re-reading favorite books, likening them to cherished friendships revisited for various reasons. Among his most revisited works are novels by Scott, Shakespeare, Moliere, Montaigne, “The Egoist,” and “The Vicomte de Bragelonne” by Alexandre Dumas. He candidly shares his estrangement from once familiar authors like Wordsworth and Burns, and his fluctuating relationship with the works of Virgil and Herrick.

The narrative delves into the author’s deep attachment to “The Vicomte de Bragelonne,” acknowledging a surprising devotion to a less celebrated sequel in Dumas’s oeuvre. Initial encounters with the character d’Artagnan sparked a long-lasting fascination, propelled by the charm of the musketeers’ adventures. Despite acknowledging the improbable and sometimes fantastical elements of Dumas’s stories, the writer defends their human nature and moral foundation. Dumas’s portrayal of characters, especially d’Artagnan, is lauded for combining virtue with realism, making them not only convincing but also deeply lovable.

The essay suggests that Dumas, through his vibrant storytelling and complex characters, particularly d’Artagnan, offers insights into life’s ethical dilemmas and personal integrity. Dumas’s preference for active virtues over passive ones, as exemplified in his characters’ lives, reveals a morality of magnanimity and resilience. The affection for “The Vicomte de Bragelonne” lies not just in its thrilling narrative but also in its deeper reflections on friendship, honor, and the end of life. The author’s engagement with Dumas’s world highlights the transformative power of literature to enchant, teach, and provide companionship through its characters and their moral journeys.