70 pages 2 hours read

Alexandre Dumas

The Three Musketeers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1844

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapters 1-14Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Summary: “The Three Presents of D’Artagnan the Elder”

In April 1625, in a market town named Meung, citizens gather tensely. It is a time of many wars: battles between lords, kings, cardinals, and nations. However, the source of tension in Meung now is the comical appearance of a young man named d’Artagnan, whose shabby clothing and small pony reminds residents of Don Quixote.

D’Artagnan is embarrassed of his horse, but his family has nothing better. He is riding with a letter of introduction to Monsieur de Treville, who might be able to help d’Artagnan secure what his family sees as his rightful place in society.

As he travels, d’Artagnan resents the jeers on the faces of the passers-by. He sees insults everywhere. When he overhears a conversation between two people in an inn, he assumes they are talking about him and challenges the man to a duel. They draw their swords, but innkeeper puts a stop to the fight and introduces d’Artagnan to a beautiful woman addressed as Milady.

Later, as d’Artagnan goes to pay his bill, his money and his letter of introduction are gone. Certain that the man he was dueling with stole his belongings, d’Artagnan resolves to avenge himself. He sells his pony to pay the bill and walks to Paris.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 70 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools