Count Of Monte Cristo Research Paper

1578 Words4 Pages

Brennan Vacek
Mrs. Wells
Honors English II
14 May 2017
The Narcissistic Mind of Edmond Dantes According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, 6.2% of America’s population suffers from narcissistic personality disorder. These individuals are subjected to a plethora of symptoms detrimental to their interactions with others, including a grandiose sense of self-importance and a complete lack of empathy towards others. While these symptoms are understandably malignant towards those who possess them, even those not afflicted are affected due to the disorder’s tendency to conflict with social interaction. In literature, this affliction is demonstrated by the protagonist of The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes, as he casts aside his empathy …show more content…

His presumption is most evident in his talk with Monsieur de Villefort following the rescue of Villefort’s wife and child. In describing his intentions, Dantes remarks that most men cannot see those who have been placed above kings and ministers by God. When Villefort asks if he is one of those extraordinary men, Dantes responds, “Yes, I’m one of them, and I don’t believe any other man has ever found himself in a position like mine. The domains of kings are limited by natural barriers or changes of customs or language. My kingdom is as large as the world” (Dumas 211). With this statement, Dantes is assuming to be above all others due to his belief in being divinely sent and free of restraints that confine others. His assumption of being in this unique role essentially acts as a means for him to elevate his status to be greater than otherwise possible. This illusion of grandeur is a clear demonstration of narcissism, as Dantes is using this rationale as a justification for actions that he would have otherwise considered infeasible. Dantes also displays a similar notion following being insulted at the opera by Albert de Morcerf. When Beauchamp, Albert’s friend, attempts to ask Dantes on information regarding why Albert is angered, Dantes shuts him down and remarks, “The Count of Monte Cristo [Dantes] is commanded only by the Count of …show more content…

When petitioned to change his plans by Mercedes and Maximilien, Dantes’ concessions are marked by immense feelings of desolation and incompletion. As Mercedes is praising him for sparing her son’s life, Dantes wearily replies, “You say that without knowing the greatness of the sacrifice I’m making for you, Mercedes. Suppose the Supreme Maker, after creating a third of the world, had stopped there to spare the tears of an angel who would otherwise have wept over our crimes one day… if you imagine all this, you still won't have any idea of what I’m losing by losing my life at this time” (Dumas 379). Dantes’ change of plans causes depressive feelings far beyond what is typically expected. A similar emotion of misery is described when Dantes gives in to the requests of Maximilien and remarks, “God punishes the indifference of men who remain cold and proud before the terrible spectacles He presents to them. I laughed, like an avenging angel, at the evil men do to one another, but now I myself have been bitten by the serpent I was watching” (Dumas 402). Although not as depressive in tone as his previous utterance, Dantes is describing a realization of his own flaws and a belief in being reduced to the same level as those he sought to seek vengeance upon. These feelings may appear to be average responses to a change in procedure, but the level of their

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