The Count of Monte Cristo

1157 Words3 Pages

We are always told to never judge a book by its cover because we never know what is truthfully inside those pages and what excitement is held within. Whether the rising action be slow or quick, the climax must always be the same; exciting, heartwrenching, or suspenseful. There were many climaxes in Alexandre Dumas’s book The Count of Monte Cristo that could cause the reader to feel intimately with the characters and feed our hunger of anticipation for more and it is these things that make the book appealing to the reader. Such as the time Mercedes recognized Dantes, when Valentine and Maximilien dramatically plan an escape for the sake of their marriage, and when a secret witness comes to stand at Fernand’s informal trial, all made the story more appealing in the eyes of the reader. We begin with Mercedes de Morcerf recognizing Dantes. “She was pale [...] when Monte Cristo turned to look at her [...]” at their first meeting (147). Things didn't fare any better for the Count for “he was even paler than Mercedes”, this foreshadowed that they both seemed to recognize each other, or at least, they found one another familiar (148). “How old would you say he is?” Mercedes asked her son after the Count’s departure listening attentively “attaching great importance to this question” (148). It becomes a tad obvious that she wants to be certain that it may or may not be Dantes. Despite her son’s answer of the Count being in his thirties she still expressed doubt. In fact, “the countess made a movement of terror” when “Franz claimed the count was a man who had come back from the next world” (149). This possibly stirred up more questions and suspicions within Mercedes. This climax can be considered appealing because it creates suspense. It mak... ... middle of paper ... ... dramatic way to get back at Fernand who so wronged Dantes and it was a perfect manner of retribution, not only for himself but for Haydee as well. Through these mini climaxes in the story, Mercedes recognizing Dantes, Valentine and Maximilien’s plan, and Fernand’s prosecution makes readers crave for more. It appeals to their humanity, feelings, and need for dramatic spazzes within such a story filled with betrayal and riveting content. This most likely appeals to aspiring writers as it shows us how to create compelling stories, on-edge climaxes, proper detail, and expert foreshadowing. I personally found these three climaxes appealing because of the suspense factor and interesting use of foreshadowing. I know I was moved to the edge of my seat by the author’s writing style and certainly hope others can be moved by Dumas’s work as well.

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