The Man in the Iron Mask

Alexandre Dumas was already a best-selling novelist when he wrote this historical romance, combining (as he claimed) the two essentials of life--"l'action et l'amour." The Man in the Iron Mask climactically concludes the epic adventures of the three Musketeers: here, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and their friend D'Artagnan, once invincible, meet their destinies.

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Recent Forum Posts on The Man in the Iron Mask

You're tearing me apart, Aramis!

So, it's been over 20 years since I've read these books... and I thought it was time to revisit them. First of all, you're killing me, Dumas... it turns out this books is even MORE heart-rending than I remembered it. I've read in bios of Dumas that he envisioned himself as somewhat of a cross between Porthos and Aramis (which is a bit scary, but also kind of awesome). So WHY did he decide to completely vilify Aramis's character in the final installments of the musketeer books? Is it just me, or was he being unfairly harsh, even unjust to this character? Granted, it was mostly through d'Artagnan's perspective that Dumas conveys his condemnations of Aramis's character (implying that he has no soul and blaming the death of Porthos solely on him), and d'Artagnan and Aramis never really struck me as two people who genuinely enjoyed each other outside of the chemistry of their foursome. But really??!! "Adieu forever!" REALLY???!!! Aramis did not deserve that. He was flawed and complex, that made him interesting, but he was far from having no soul.

Posted By AthosESK at Sat 24 Jul 2010, 2:15 AM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 6 Replies

Clarify d'Artagnan's last quote...

I would like opinions regarding d'Artagnan's last quote: "Athos, Porthos, farewell till we meet again! Aramis, adieu for ever!" Could his words/meaning be interpreted as 'd'Artagnan doesn't forgive Aramis and that he doesn't expect Aramis to join them in Heaven?'

Posted By NoMore_NoLess at Wed 27 Feb 2008, 9:36 AM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 5 Replies

Finding Certain Quote

Okay I've read The Man in the Iron Mask and I've been trying to find a certain quote. Im sorry in advance for the details I can give I know they are vague but... I think it goes something like.. Raoul is talking to someone (lets say Athos) and Athos says something along the lines of Life is better than death and Raoul replies that not if your life is like his it's almost like torture... hope someone can help me out O.o

Posted By crispybacon at Sun 6 Jan 2008, 7:22 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 0 Replies

Can I read MIM first?

(of course I can read whatever I want... but) Is Three Musketeers a prerequisite to MIM? I know who the characters are but is there vital information I need to know in order to enjoy it better? I've of course seen the movies as well. Though you can't really say the Disney quasi-comedic version of Three Musketeers (with Keiffer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen and Oliver Platt) and Randal Wallace's Man in the Iron Mask (with Gabriel Berne, Jeremy Irons, Gerrard Depardieu and John Malkovich) are intentionally connected. Having read both, what would you recommend?

Posted By Reepicheep at Tue 30 Oct 2007, 2:54 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 2 Replies

Possible Themes?

I've never been too great on analyzing novels and then coming up with a theme. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas to possible themes in the novel? Would there be any quotes to exemplify this theme? Yes... I have a project and I'm so confused. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Posted By Brigitte at Sun 13 May 2007, 8:18 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 1 Reply

No Subject

This honestly has to be the greatest story ever written....I live for this.. It's also a lesson on how good really can over power evil if you try your best and work hard... This book and what it taught me is the one reason I was able to make my company... I realized that I was trying to do good by providing a service. While my family told me to forget it cause it'll never happen... I proved them wrong. As i felt captive in my cell at home. I found a few people that believed in me and did everything they could to help me succeed.. I thank them for everything..

Posted By Margot at Thu 17 Apr 2003, 12:00 AM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 4 Replies

Man in the Iron Mask

Can someone please email me a summery of the book? I would really like to know about the book.

Thanks

tlp_98@hotmail.com

Posted By Lady - Janey at Wed 23 Mar 2005, 8:21 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 7 Replies

Book Order

Okay so let me get this straight it goes: The three musketeers, Twenty Years After, The Viscomte de Bragelonne, Ten Years Later, Louise de la Valliere, and The Man in the Iron Mask? Please some one reply to tell me the correct order of the books as I want to read them in sequential order.

Posted By Robin at Tue 24 May 2005, 5:07 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 2 Replies

Epilogue?

(SPOILER WARNING!)
In the version I am reading (Gateway Movie Classics) there is a strange occurrence with the Epilogue. In the last chapter, "The Death of D'Artagnan", D'Artagnan dies in a battle. But in the Epilogue, which takes place four years later, he is alive again. What happened? Maybe this is explained in some of Dumas's other books--I have so far only read THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK and an abridged version of THE THREE MUSKETEERS. But I'd be grateful if someone would explain this, because, though I plan to read the other books, there are alot and it will be awhile until I'm done with them. Thanks! Admin Response Check out our page for The Vicomte de Bragelonne. I believe you have the order of your books confused.

Posted By anonymous at Mon 21 Mar 2005, 4:46 PM in The Man in the Iron Mask || 1 Reply