Rings (Symbol)
Typically, rings are symbols of commitment and fidelity. However, in Dumas' novel, rings are used as symbols of duplicity, secrecy, and illicit relationships. Milady de Winter gives D'Artagnan a sapphire ring after the two sleep together the first time, at which time she believes she is sleeping with the Comte de Wardes. The ring in question once belonged to Athos, who gave it to his wife. The sapphire ring (together with Milady's fleur-de-lys brand) is evidence that she is in fact Athos's wife, whom he believed to be dead. Rather than being a symbol of steadfast devotion, the ring shows relationships can be perverted due to lies and deception. Milady lied to Athos throughout their relationship, and then eventually pursued a bigamous second marriage with Lord de Winter. When she gives the ring to D'Artagnan, she is being deceived herself because D'Artagnan is tricking her. Even Queen Anne gives D'Artagnan a diamond ring as a reward for his help concealing her affair from the King. Rather than symbols of open and public commitment, rings symbolize that many characters are keeping secrets.
The Executioner's Red Cloak (Symbol)
At the end of the novel, with the final confrontation with Milady fast approaching, Athos brings along a mysterious man who wears a red cloak. The man is later revealed to be an executioner from the town of Lille, who encountered Milady earlier in her criminal past. He is able to provide additional context about her past crimes and to eventually carry out her execution. The red cloak he wears symbolizes the role he he will play in killing her. The color red evokes the blood he sheds as part of his profession and the blood of her death. Cloaks are often used as a way to disguise identities, and the red cloak does initially prevent Milady from recognizing him until she sees his face. The red cloak therefore symbolizes the way Milady's execution will be carried out privately and secretly, rather than as a formal act of criminal justice.
Fleur de Lys Brand (Symbol)
After they make love, D'Artagnan catches sight of a brand in the shape of a fleur de lys on Milady's left shoulder. She is furious to have her secret uncovered because this brand is used to permanently mark thieves, prostitutes, and other criminals. The mark symbolizes Milady's deception and her violent past. Readers eventually learn that she was branded by the executioner of Lille as punishment for seducing his brother into a life of crime. The brand also symbolizes how the past can never be entirely concealed. Milady is a master of deceit and lies and has been able to evade her past for a long time. Nonetheless, her past means she can never feel entirely safe because there is always the chance her secrets will be revealed. The brand is a mark on her skin, which can never be removed; it can only be covered up. In the same way, her evil nature and dark past will eventually resurface.
D'Artagnan's Horse (Symbol)
When D'Artagnan rides into Meung, he attracts attention because of his old and shabby horse. Although D'Artagnan is vain, proud, and eager to make his mark on the world, the horse symbolizes his humble origins. D'Artagnan comes from an ancient and well-established family, but there is no longer any money available for flashy and fashionable presentation. The horse symbolizes the status of his whole family: ancient and now in poor quality. D'Artagnan very quickly becomes aggressive when he finds out the horse is being insulted. The horse therefore also symbolizes his proud and headstrong nature. He is determined to be taken seriously, despite his lack of wealth and status.
Servants and Masters (Motifs)
Throughout the novel, the presence of servants is used as a reoccurring motif to communicate character traits and values. D'Artagnan and each of the three musketeers all have their own servants, and each servant reflects the unique values and character traits of his master. Especially because readers don't necessarily get psychological insights into the thoughts and feelings of all the characters, their servants provide a window into their inner selves. The motif of servants also creates an opportunity to further embed themes of loyalty and honor into the novel. The musketeers faithfully serve Treville and the French crown, and in turn, their servants faithfully serve them. The different social classes all contribute to a collective, overarching social order by dutifully fulfilling their appropriate functions.
