The Count Of Monte Cristo Love Analysis

George Sand once stated, “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” Is true love always happiness? The book titled The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas explores this idea in its subtle, yet crucial theme of love. Every character in the book gets a glimpse, if not a lasting look at love, yet this theme is often overlooked because to some it seems the theme of true adoration is never fully realized. As mentioned, the theme of love is often overlooked in the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, yet for two young characters it is quite evident. These characters go by the names of Maximilien and Valentine. Their love is one of strong romance, unbreakable by any force. Valentine is arranged to marry someone other than

The Count loved a woman named Mercedes, but when he is betrayed by his enemies and sentenced to a life in prison Mercedes moves on without him. This is a case where it is believed that love is tossed aside, and has no importance in the book, yet both of those characters end up finding some sort of more true love. For the Count, this attachment isn’t realized for a long time as he is caught up in constant revenge. This romance is not blissful, nor easy, yet it is found at the end of the story, where it is most important. On page 528 of the novel, the Count solemnly gives up on life, stating that Haydée, the woman who he has come to feel for, will now be alone in the world: “Hayée! Hayée! You’re young, you’re beautiful; forget me and be happy.” Haydée’s response is as follows, “Very well, your orders will be carried out: I will forget you and be happy.” Valentine then interrupts and brings to light the obvious affection and sacrifice that each would give for one another. The Count asks, “‘Hayée, would you be happy to stay with me?’ ‘I’m young,’ replied Haydée softly; ‘I love the life you’ve always made so sweet for me and I’d regret it if I had to die.’ ‘Do you mean that if I left you -’ ‘I’d die, yes.’ ‘Then you love me?’ ‘Oh Valentine, he asks if I love him! Tell him if you love Maximilien!’” Though late to be realized, another true theme of affection is found in the

Benedetto was given love by foster parents, yet he refused it for smuggling. Caderousse gives up marriage for riches. Fernand is consumed by greed. Danglars is concerned with power, and none of these characters are happy in the end. This is partially because of the works of the Count of Monte Cristo in his revenge. This brings up the point that maybe love was taken from these men as a revenge, therefore they are left lost and unhappy. The Count of Monte Cristo is often viewed as a story of revenge, not love, yet love is an essential theme to the story. The book points out that happiness doesn’t come through revenge, but love. Nearly every character gets a chance at love and joy, though not every circumstance is a happy one. Just as love is important to many people, whether it be the kind of romance, a mother, or a family, it is salient in The Count of Monte