Alexandre Dumas' "Man in the Iron Mask"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Alexandre Dumas' storyline in his book "Man in the Iron Mask" follows the theory that the man in the iron mask is the identical twin to Louis XIV, who was in a power struggle for the crown. The paper points out that the two main settings of the French Court and the Bastille are essential to the theme of plot. The paper also points out that, although there are many ways in which Dumas stretches the reality of not just the characters involved but also the history of France itself to accommodate his telling of conspiracy and suspense, over the years, no one has been able to resolve if this book is truth or fiction.

Table of Contents:
Plot Summary
Settings
Reality v Fiction

From the Paper:

"The French Court also serves to contrast the life between the privileged wealthy, the middle class - like the Musketeers - who are allowed to mingle with the wealthy, but whose own fortunes and social position prevent them from being elevated to the highest levels of society. It does, however, afford them enough freedom and power to be able to assist in carrying out the plot to switch the prisoners. In fact, the middle class Musketeers are essential to a successful plot against the king. This is true in Dumas' story, as it would be in reality."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dumas, Alexandre. The Vicomte de Bragelonne. Ed. David Coward. Oxford: Oxford University, 1998. Questia. 3 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=22933050>.
• Macdonald, Roger. "Behind the Iron Mask." History Today Nov. 2005: 30+. Questia. 3 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5012048049>.

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