The Count of Monte-Cristo
Alexander Dumas
The Count of Monte-Cristo is a nineteenth century historical romance. The characters are
set in conventional forms Alexander Dumas borrowed from society. Courageous, avaricious,
kind, loyal, selfish, or treacherous each personality embodies a common stereotype. M.
Morrel, a merchant and ship owner, represent the good hearted benefactor. M. Danglars,
employee of M. Morrel, symbolizes the typical jealous colleague. The Abbe Faria, prisoner
at Chateau D'If, personifies the persecuted, yet respected mentor. Each character
portrays the extreme of a well-known personality. Edmond Dantes breaks all of Alexander
Dumas's molds. His unique characteristics are the key ingredients of this great literary
work. The Count of Monte-Cristo is a breath-taking experience. It is a dramatic tale
filled with mystery and intrigue.
Edmond Dantes profile illustrates the mutation of a fundamentally good human being into
a narrow minded, vindictive man. He embarked upon life as a simple sailor from a poor
fishing village. A loyal, dedicated, and hard working young man Edmond set sail in 1813.
He returned two years later as the appointed caption of the Pharaon . Upon arrival,
Dantes immediately attends to his father's needs instead of visiting his fiancee, thus
demonstrating unselfish love for his father. Edmond possessed ambition balanced by a
healthy respect for other human beings. Unfortunately, he was not without envious
enemies. Several of his trusted companions secretly conspired to have Edmond thrown into
prison. Within the dungeon of Chateau D'If, Edmond learned the truth of his imprisonment.
He became engrossed in the need to harm those who wrought his troubles. Edmond Dantes
original persona became tainted by a thirst for revenge.
Dantes was never a completely enclosed in his labyrinth of spite and revenge. He set
aside his personal goals to save the life of a friend's beloved, thus retaining a grain
of humanity. Edmond's integrity resurfaces as he reevaluates his plan to kill M.
Danglars. As the novel comes to a close, Edmond Dantes concludes his revenge with a sad
smile. Although he doesn't regret his actions, he does regret degree of pain he brought
upon may innocent lives.
Dumas created a living example of the intricate interaction between a single
individual's character and society. Dantes began life as a well-intending individual.
Through the trials and tribulations placed upon him he became a creature of hate. His
choices in life were directly influenced by the people around him. Edmond is an excellent
example of the tie between society and individuals.
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