Honor

In France during the 1660s, when "The Man in the Iron Mask" takes place, honor is a primary concern for many of the characters in the novel. Honor demands that each character do what they know is right, despite what their feelings and emotions tell them to do. For example, King Louis XIV plans to arrest Fouquet on trumped up charges. However, the switch of Philippe for the king negates these charges. Aramis, pleased with his work, informs Fouquet. However, Fouquet is an honorable man, and to him, there is no choice but to free the king, even if it means he will later go to prison. Fouquet also later proves his honor by not escaping after D'Artagnan faints when he captures Fouquet. D'Artagnan also acts honorably to the advisor, since he informs him that he can escape before the king arrives at Nante. However, honor does not...