Barrois

Barrois is the faithful old servant of Noirtier de Villefort, the paralyzed former Jacobin and senator. He has been in Noirtier's service for twenty-five years, and his loyalty is so complete that he acknowledges no master but Noirtier, even defying Villefort's orders when they conflict with his master's wishes. Barrois is one of only three people who can understand Noirtier's language of eye movements and signs, a skill he shares with Valentine and Villefort. His devotion is absolute, and he is willing to act as Noirtier's messenger and protector, even when it means disobeying the procureur.

Identity and Role

Barrois is introduced as the old servant who has been with Noirtier for a quarter of a century. He is described as faithful and devoted, and his position in the household is unique: he is more a friend than a servant to the paralyzed old man. Barrois is the only person besides Valentine who can interpret Noirtier's wishes through his expressive eyes, and he is entrusted with the most intimate tasks, such as fetching the notary when Noirtier demands one. His loyalty is so profound that he refuses to let anyone contradict his master's desires, even Villefort himself. When Villefort tries to dismiss the request for a notary, Barrois insists, saying, "if M. Noirtier asks for a notary, I suppose he really wishes for a notary; therefore I shall go at once and fetch one." This defiance shows that Barrois's allegiance is to Noirtier alone, not to the family's authority.

The Poisoning

Barrois becomes a victim of the poisoner's plot when he drinks the lemonade that was intended for Noirtier. On the day of the poisoning, Barrois has been running errands for his master and is extremely thirsty. Valentine, noticing his exhaustion, offers him a glass of the lemonade that had been prepared for Noirtier. Barrois drinks it eagerly, and almost immediately falls into a violent fit. The symptoms are terrifying: his eyes become bloodshot, his limbs stiffen, and he suffers convulsions. Doctor d'Avrigny is called, but despite his efforts, Barrois dies within a short time. The doctor's examination reveals that the lemonade was poisoned with brucine, a substance that Noirtier had been taking in small doses to build up his tolerance, but which was fatal to Barrois. This incident confirms d'Avrigny's suspicions that a poisoner is at work in the Villefort household, and it leads to the accusation of Valentine, who had innocently given Barrois the drink.

Death and Aftermath

Barrois's death is a turning point in the novel. It is the third sudden death in the Villefort family within a short period, following the deaths of the Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Meran. The doctor's investigation reveals that the poison was intended for Noirtier, who had been protected by his gradual acclimatization to brucine. Barrois's death also exposes the true culprit, Madame de Villefort, who had been systematically poisoning the family members to secure her son Edward's inheritance. The servants, terrified by the repeated deaths, abandon the house, and the family is left in ruins. Barrois's loyalty is remembered by Noirtier, who is devastated by the loss of his faithful servant. The old man's grief is so profound that it contributes to his later decision to disinherit Valentine and to his desperate attempts to protect her from the same fate.

Significance

Barrois's role in the novel is that of a sacrificial victim whose death serves to unmask the criminal and to advance the plot. His unwavering devotion to Noirtier contrasts with the treachery and selfishness of the other characters, highlighting the themes of loyalty and betrayal. Barrois's death also underscores the cruelty of Madame de Villefort, who is willing to kill an innocent servant to achieve her goals. His passing marks the beginning of the end for the Villefort family, as the doctor's suspicions and the subsequent investigation lead to the exposure of the poisoner and the eventual madness of Villefort. Barrois, though a minor character, is essential to the narrative's moral and dramatic structure, serving as a reminder of the innocent lives destroyed by the pursuit of wealth and power.