The Count Of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo By: Alexandre Dumas

Type of Literary Work: Historical Novel

This book is an example of a historical Novel. It is historically accurate, and consists of characters that could have existed in the nineteenth century.

Theme:Judgment Day comes to us all inevitably. We all pay for all evil and injustices of our life, yet sometimes there will be someone so viciously wronged, that he will return like a wrath of nature, with and unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Such a vendetta is the building block for the theme of this novel. The Count of Monte Cristo is that wrath of vengeance that crushes those who plotted his demise.

Fernand Mondego and Danglars both wronged Dantes, and both were motivated by envy. Both men were filled with jealousy and never thought of the consequences of their actions. Villefort disposes of Dantes because of ambition. He would stop at nothing to climb the aristocratic ladder. Finally, Caderousse, a man that is simply ill natured, helped in the destruction of Dantes> None of these men could fathom how costly the price of these injustices would be.

The actions and painful consequences exemplify the novel’s theme. Injustice toward the innocent for ignoble motives such as envy and jealousy will eventually be avenged severely. Live a life of virtue, not of vice, sot that one will not prosper in vain as did the villains of this novel.

Setting:France in the nineteenth century is a nation teeming with turmoil. Those loyal to Napoleon feud with those loyal to the French monarchy and Kink Louis. We are moved across this nation in this novel, and begin in a small port city in southern France, Marseilles.

Marseilles is where the characters are introduced, and where the conflict first. We quickly proceed to an island that harbors a prison infamous for nearly impossible escape, and sheer brutality, the Chateau d’If . The novel places the characters in the dungeon, giving a sense of hopeless despair, yet from there we move on.

After a short stay in Rome at the time of the Carnival, we are settled in Paris. Here most of the plot is developed. The novel finally concludes in the Isle of Monte Cristo.

Basic Plot:The Pharon, a three masted ship is docked by a young, skillful, promising young sailor by the name of Edmond Dantes. When the ships owner, Monsieur Morrel, learns that the ship’s admired captain passed away, ...

... middle of paper ...

...fortune rewards his good will.

Character most liked: In the novel, I grew especially fond of Monsieur Morrel. His heart was free from hate of thirst for vengeance. He was honest and thrived by helping others. He and his son were the only truly good-hearted men in the novel. He ran a firm with honest practices and persistently helped Dantes. When the Count repaid him for his kindness, the reward was truly deserved.

Personal Evaluation: After reading this book, I can see why it has such and enduring popularity. The plot is exciting, and absorbs the reader into a romantic adventure. The characters are clearly described, and are put into situations causing the reader to grow emotions toward the characters.

I would certainly recommend this novel for the sheer fact of how involved you become in the novel. I kept wanting to continue reading to see what twist would come up next.

If I could change one thing in the novel, it would be the Count of Monte Cristo in one respect. He claimed to be God’s angle of vengeance, implying his actions were God’s will. I believe God is merciful, and punishment come about as consequence of our own sinful deeds, and not because God wishes to punish us.