Chapter 1

The date is February 14, 1815 and the vessel, the Pharaon is returning to Marseilles after a three month long journey. The ship's owner, M. Morrel, watches his boat arrive in the harbor and he quickly jumps into a small skiff to go meet it. Once aboard, M. Morrel and the reader encounter the protagonist, Edmond Dantès. He is described as eighteen or twenty years old with black eyes and "raven" black hair. He also has an aura of calmness and resolution that befits an individual accustomed to danger. M. Morrel finds that Dantès, a captain's mate when the ship left, has now assumed the captain's post because misfortune befell the ship and the aging war veteran, Captain Leclère, has died. Thus, it is now Dantès who commands the ship. His crew is fond of him and they follow his orders quickly and precisely. M. Morrel is impressed and thus plans to officially make Dantès the captain of the ship. First, however, he must consult the boat's co-owner. M. Morrel also converses with Danglars, the ship¹s accountant, who bears nothing but hate for Dantès. Danglars complains to M. Morrel that Dantès delayed the ship's progress at the Island of Elba for a day and a half. Dantès clears his responsibility for this delay by clarifying to M. Morrel that he merely stopped at Elba to deliver a package for the deceased Captain. The package was for the Emperor Napoleon himself. M. Morrel is delighted. In conversation, Danglars hints at a letter that Dantès may be withholding from M. Morrel. M. Morrel assumes that if such a letter exists, Dantès will give it to him. He does not doubt Dantès' integrity. Dantès turns down Morrel's dinner offer for the evening, however, because he must first see his poor father and his betrothed, Mercedes. The chapter ends with both M. Morrel and Danglars watching Dantès row ashore.

Analysis

Dumas introduces drama and suspense in this first chapter. Some of the first images encountered are a deceased captain and a ship cargo whose contents remain undefined. The Captain's death prepares the reader for what is to be an adventure-packed novel. The death also is a window for Dumas to immediately establish the conflict that is to be central to the entire work. Dantès success shall fuel the jealous natures of others, such as Danglars. Dantès is presented as a naïve youth, despite his taste for danger and his ability to command a ship. M. Morrel comments on Dantès youth and talent to Danglars. M. Morrel's intuitive nature is non-existent. He cannot feel the hate Danglars harbors for Dantès. Dantès has all the attributes for success, thus he has an enemy in the jealous Danglars. Danglars is out to destroy Dantès. When he hints of a withheld letter, Danglars is sowing the seeds for Dantès' ruin. Danglars is not honest. His deceptiveness is revealed when he reddens in conversation with M. Morrel. M. Morrel wishes to know why Danglars knows of the secret package that Dantès delivered to Napoleon. Danglars manages to extricate himself from Morrel's suspicion, but the reader is not fooled. Dantès, however, makes the mistake of not discarding of Danglars when he can. He eloquently states to M. Morrel that he shall trust Danglars if Morrel himself deems Danglars worthy of his trust. Yet Danglars is not to be trusted, as we shall see.

Also significant in this first chapter is the tribute paid to Napoleon. The action takes place during 1815 when Napoleon is in exile on the Island of Elba. Through M. Morrel's excitement at the mention of the Emperor's name, one sees Dumas' respect for the former Emperor. Additionally, the deceased Captain is accorded a proper burial which befits his rank and legacy in Napoleon's army. Dumas' father was also a close friend and General of Napoleon's. Perhaps this influenced Dumas to make such a social commentary by honoring the Captain. War heroes were to be venerated.

Chapter 2

The setting for this chapter is no longer aboard ship. Action takes place in Dantès' father's chambers. Dantès' father is overjoyed at the sight of his son. Dantès relates the prospect of his new post to his father. He has plans to buy a house for his father once he obtains the lucrative post. Dantès is also surprised to find his father with hollow cheeks. His father had used one hundred and forty of the two hundred francs Dantès had given him before he went to sea to pay off their neighbor, Caderousse, who insisted he pay off a debt. The old Dantès' diet has consequently suffered. There is also no wine. Dantès empties his pockets on to the table, brightening his father's countenance with the sight of twelve gold pieces.

Caderousse comes to welcome Dantès back. Dantès must be quick to delude the neighbor who has spotted the gold pieces and comments on how the sea journey has apparently proven profitable. Dantès pretends that it was his father's money. This is to both hide his success, and to protect his father's pride, who does not wish to be seen by the town as financially dependent upon his son. Caderousse continues to pry into Dantès affairs. Having already chatted with the evil Danglars, Caderousse has heard of M. Morrel's desire for Dantès to be his ship's new captain. He chides Dantès for declining M. Morrel's dinner invite. Dantes responds that he hopes to be captain without the flattery of patrons. Caderousse also inquires about Mercédès. He arouses Dantès' uneasiness by stating that Mercedes has many admirers. Dantès has confidence in Mercédès, however. Dantès leaves to go to the Catalans, Mercédès' residence.

Caderousse leaves to go find Danglars, who is waiting downstairs. Caderousse reports that Dantès is insolent about his new post as captain. He comments it would better for Dantès not to become a captain, for if he does, then he will he will not be approachable. Caderousse also mentions he does not like Dantès, and that he has seen Mercédès with another admirer. Danglars and Caderousse decide to go the same way as Dantès. They go get wine at La Reserve inn to wait for tidings of the young fellow.

Analysis:

The influence of Dumas' dramatic style is evident. The setting of chapter II is like a second scene in a play. The reader is introduced to new characters. Dantès' father serves the purpose of illustrating the family's humble status. He also is a window for Dumas to illustrate Dantès' good intentions to care for his father once he makes money. Caderousse is a hypocrite who is also jealous of Dantès. He tells Dantès that all his friends shall rejoice with the news of Dantès new post, when in fact, he states to Danglars that Dantès is insolent. He would like nothing better than to see Dantès' demise. Thus, he has found a friend in Danglars. Dumas foreshadows Dantès' demise with an allusion to Danglars' power over Dantès destiny. Dumas ends the chapter with Caderousse and Danglars having a drink under budding trees and singing birds. This springtime environment symbolizes the newfound optimism that the two have found in each other and the plan that is about to be born.

Chapter 3

Danglars, Caderousse, and Fernand still are at La Réserve. Caderousse is becoming more and more intoxicated. Fernand admits that he is in love with Mercédes and that as a potential suitor to her, he hates Dantes. He reveals to Danglars that Mercedes has threatened to kill herself should any harm befall Dantes. Danglars has a plan to thwart the marriage without killing Dantes. Fernand has no plan. Danglars thus comments that the French invent solutions while the Spanish ruminate over their problems. (Fernand is a Catalan). Fernand realizes that Danglars despises Dantes also, though he does not know the root of Danglars' hatred. Danglars orders more wine for Caderousse, who at this point has little sense left in him. He also asks the waiter for pen, paper, and ink. He writes a letter to the king's attorney incriminating Dantes as a Bonapartist agent. The letter shall be anonymous, and thus Fernand will not look guilty to Mercedes. Danglars dupes Caderousse into thinking the letter a jest. He throws the letter in the corner, yet he knows Fernand will fetch it and deliver it once he gets up to bring the drunken man home.

Analysis:

This chapter is significant because Danglars' letter is symbolic of Dantes' doom. It is an anonymous letter, that similarly will cause Dantes to be nameless, forgotten in prison. The three conspirators will later be the objects of Dantes' wrath and revenge once he figures out who they are. It should be noted that Caderousse has little to do with the actual letter's composition. He is intoxicated beyond comprehension, and when he realizes the contents of the letter, Danglars pretends it is a jest. Caderousse's intoxication is an exaggeration of his personality, for he is naturally a greedy follower, and is easily manipulated. Caderousse's sin is that he will be too weak to denounce the evil Danglars and stop the letter from being delivered. It is Danglars who is the mastermind behind the event; Fernand without Danglars is merely a rejected jealous lover. However, both Danglars and Fernand will benefit from Dantes' disappearance.

Chapter 4

The feast for Dantes and Mercedes takes place at the inn, La Réserve. Danglars, Fernand, and Caderousse are present. Caderousse has a vague recollection of the night before, yet he has forgotten the ills he harbored against Dantes. The food and drink available sway him. For Fernand and Danglars, however, the previous night's conspiracy is forever in their thoughts. Fernand is uneasy, sweating, and his ears are perked to any sound. He expects the authorities to come in at any time to take Dantes away. Dantes and Mercedes do not notice his behavior, they are too involved in each other's happiness.

M. Morrel is also an important guest at the feast. There is now no doubt in the public's mind that Dantes is to be the future captain of the Pharaon. When the feast begins, Mercedes places herself between her father and Fernand. Dantes likewise places himself between Danglars and M. Morrel. Sumptuous fruits of the sea are served.

Dantes reveals to his merry guests that he and Mercedes are to be married in less than an hour and a half. This stuns Fernand and Danglars, who expected the procedure to take longer. Dantes, however, used M. Morrel's influence to bypass the normal hold ups. Mercedes and Dantes also have little wealth, thus the marriage contract was easily settled.

Fifteen minutes before the happy couple are to be married, the authorities come to arrest Dantes. He surrenders to them with dignity. He assures everyone that it is a mistake that shall be easily cleared up. Dantes' father pleads with the soldiers, but to no avail. M. Morrel realizes the futility of such pleas and goes to Marseilles to discover the truth of the matter. Caderousse now suspects Danglars and Fernand, and tells them he shall denounce their treachery. Mercedes is devastated and sobs uncontrollably.

M. Morrel returns from Marseilles pale. He reveals to the guests that Dantes has been accused of being a Bonapartist agent. Now Caderousse is certain of Danglars' guilt. Danglars, however, silences Caderousse by revealing to Caderousse that the Pharaon did stop at Elba (where Napoleon is in exile), thus, who is to know if the charges are true? Caderousse thus decides selfishly that it is best to wait and see what happens before helping Dantes. Danglars also manages to convince Caderousse that he had destroyed the note he had written to incriminate Dantes. He blames Fernand for perhaps copying it and bringing it to the authorities. But he assures Caderousse that neither he nor Caderousse can suffer any ill from the ordeal, since the note was anonymous.

In the meantime, Fernand becomes Mercedes' protector, and Danglars is to become captain of the Pharaon until Dantes returns. Danglars believes that Dantes shall not return, however.

Analysis:

The chapter illustrates how Dumas used historical events as a backdrop for his writing. Danglars takes advantage of the political situation in France to incriminate his nemesis. Napoleon is in exile and the royalists are in power, thus anyone accused of being in league with the former ruler is to be severely punished. Within this politically unstable system, all Danglars must do to dispose of Dantes is to accuse Dantes of being a Bonapartist agent.

Danglars is revealed to be deceptive in all ways. Not only has he denounced Dantes, but he also manages to convince Caderousse that it was Fernand and not himself who was responsible. Danglars, of course, was the mastermind of the plan. The chapter closes with a monologue by Danglars that reveals to the reader that he has achieved his goals, and that most likely Dantes will not return. These statements coupled with the incriminating letter are symbols of the Danglars' treachery. Danglars also reassures Caderousse that the dirty deed cannot be traced back to them, since the letter was in a disguised handwriting. He neglects to realize that it shall later become obvious to Dantes (with the help of Abbe Faria) who was responsible for denouncing him, since he shall merely have to look for a motive. Fernand marries Mercedes and Danglars, becomes captain of the Pharaon. Caderousse will be proven correct in his fears, for Dantes' incarceration shall eventually lead to the downfall of his accusers.

Chapter 5

The following chapter introduces Monsieur de Villefort, a deputy public prosecutor. He, like Dantes, is about to be married. His marriage feast is interrupted by news of Dantes' arrest. Villefort must attend to Dantes' case. He thus leaves his betrothal party. Villefort is a staunch royalist, whose father is a Bonapartist. Thus, Villefort must prove his political opinion by dealing harshly with Bonapartist conspirators. Dantes makes a favorable impression on Villefort, however. He has a candid air even with his inquisitor. He reveals how he landed on the island of Elba and was given a letter by Napoleon to be delivered to Paris. The fact that he was merely carrying out orders of the dying Captain Leclere seems to prove Dantes as innocent. Villefort is about to release Dantes, yet when Dantes reveals to him to whom the letter was addressed he immediately changes his mind. The letter was addressed to Noirtier, who happens to be Villefort's Bonapartist father. Thus, Villefort must now try to cover the conspiracy to save his own name. He thus burns the letter, and tells Dantes to deny its existence. He will keep Dantes a prisoner. At the close of the chapter Villefort even thinks of a way to turn the letter, which could have ruined him, into a fortune. How he will do this is yet to be revealed.

Analysis:

This chapter introduces Dantes' fourth enemy. Villefort is merely concerned with his own public image as a royalist. He will do whatever will further his career. He deceives Dantes trust by telling the accused to deny the existence of the Bonapartist letter. This was, however, for his own public protection and not Dantes' benefit. Villefort's lies are yet another symbol of the evil forces at work against Dantes. Dantes symbolizes good, thus when he later takes revenge upon his enemies, this shall symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

Chapter 6

Dantes is escorted to prison, where he awaits release. Monsieur de Villefort had assured him of a timely release. Guards do come, but instead they row him to the infamous Chateau D'If, an island prison. This is a prison for political offenders. Dantes spends his first night standing up. He does not move. When the jailer comes to see him, Dantes demands to see the governor. He also asks the jailer to deliver a few lines to Mercedes. When the jailer refuses he threatens him, even grabbing a stool. This is when Dantes is thrown into the dungeon as a "madman."

Analysis:

Dantes does not comprehend why he is not released, for Villefort had given him indication of a timely release. For this reason, he is thrown into a deeper darker dungeon. The dungeon serves as a metaphor for his mental state; his inability to comprehend the reason's for his plight lead him deeper into darkness and confusion. Dantes' desire to reach Mercedes symbolizes his refusal to accept his removal from the outside world. He is now a nameless prisoner. The guards ensure his complete removal from society by throwing him away into the darkest dungeon. Only when Dantes meets the Abbe Faria, another prisoner with whom he will come into contact, will he learn of Villefort's treachery and swear to revenge.

Chapter 7

The following chapter involves the reigning monarch, Louis XVIII. Monsieur de Villefort visits the King to warn him of a plot to restore Napoleon as Emperor. He tells the King of his meeting with Dantes, who landed on the Island of Elba to meet with the usurper (Napoleon). He also reassures the king that Dantes is now in prison. The Minister of Police brings news of Napoleon's arrival in France just as Villefort is meeting with the king. Louis is astonished that Napoleon was able to enter the country unnoticed for two days. The former emperor is now advancing towards Paris. He commends Villefort for his warning, and gives him his cross of the Legion of Honor. Villefort is quite happy with himself to have gained royal favor.

Analysis:

This chapter is an ideal example of Dumas' genius. He melds the excitement of an adventure novel with historical conflict. The action takes place right before Napoleon returns to rule, ousting the royalists. Louis XVIII's reign is thus currently threatened. A man such as Monsieur Villefort's plans to utilize this situation for his own political benefit. His scheme to warn the King of the threat of Bonapartists in Marseilles is revealed. Though he had recognized Dantes' innocence, he uses Dantes' story to further his royalist goals. Dantes is thus a victim of the selfish, politically minded Villefort. While Dantes rots in prison, Villefort wins favor with the King at Dantes' expense. The cross of the Legion of Honor is a symbol of the King's appreciation of Villefort's service, however, this token's value will be worthless under Napoleon's potential upcoming regime. The ephemeral quality of this cross is a metaphor for life's inconsistencies. One never knows when one's fate is to change. Dantes, for example, was about to have a prosperous happy life, yet from one day to the next he was doomed to rot in prison.

Chapter 8

Dantes is forgotten in prison throughout the changing political regimes. Napoleon returns to power but only temporarily. Louis XVIII re-obtains the throne once more. M. Morrel pleads on Dantes' behalf during Napoleon's empire, yet to no avail. Fernand joins the army of the Emperor, and leaves Mercedes. Fernand still hopes that one day she shall be his. When Napoleon returns to power, Danglars worries that Dantes will return. Thus, fearing revenge, he quits his post with M. Morrel and flees for Madrid. Dantes' father dies and M. Morrel clears the old man's remaining debts.

Analysis:

This chapter summarizes the reaction that the characters have to the changing political regimes. This is contrasted to Dantes, who is unaware of it all. He rots in prison, forgotten by the bureaucracy that threw him in his cell. His father dies of poverty and hunger. Only the good M. Morrel remains faithful to him. He still pleads Dantes' cause and clears up his father's debts. Mercedes still pines for him, yet is comforted by Fernand, who is still hoping for her love. Though her love for Dantes will never cease, she will succumb to the one constant figure in her life, Fernand. Mercedes thus eventually marries him because she fears the thought of loneliness, and Fernand is now wealthy enough to care for her quite well. Villefort, on the other hand, uses marriage to improve his social standing.

Ironically, it is the evil Villefort who has the patience to wait to marry. This patience stands in contrast to Mercedes, who does not wait all that long before marrying Fernand. In fact, her desire to marry so quickly may in a strange way be taken as a symbol for her love for Dantes, for it was so great that she could not bear to be left alone. Her passion needed to be subdued by a replacement, in the form of Fernand. Villefort's only passion, however, is his social standing, and he thus postpones his marriage until the political climate favors his marriage to a royalist's daughter.

Chapter 9

The story next returns to Dantes in prison. Dantes has lost hope and decides to commit suicide by starvation. He throws his food out the window. His resolve to die is broken by the sounds of another prisoner's digging. The thoughts of escape and the thoughts of a companion rejuvenate him. He manages to dislodge a stone to talk to the prisoner. The prisoner tells him that he has been imprisoned since 1811, four years before Dantes' incarceration. He also tells Dantes that if Dantes was nineteen years old in 1815, than Dantes is now almost twenty-six years old. More time has passed than Dantes realized.

Analysis:

This chapter focuses on Dantes' character. He still cannot comprehend why he was thrown into prison. His happiness was ruined for no reason. He thus has no desire to live anymore, for imprisonment has crushed his previously exuberant soul. His suicide attempt shows that he now doubts the existence of good.

The arrival of the other prisoner, digging through the wall, is a critical turning point. For the first time we are introduced to character who cannot be subdued, not even by stone walls. This ability to overcome impossible obstacles is one that will be transferred to Dantes, and it will forever change his character.

Chapter 10

This chapter witnesses the meeting and the friendship of Dantes with another political prisoner, Abbe Faria. This prisoner has spent years tunneling his way to freedom, and a miscalculation has led him to Dantes' cell. The Abbe is crushed and his energy to escape is as well. He shows Dantes the tools he made and his writing, A Treatise on the Possibility of Monarchy in Italy. He is a very learned man, and thus shares his knowledge of languages, mathematics, and science with Dantes over the next few years. The Abbe also aids Dantes in deducing who was responsible for Dantes' incarceration, and he soon concocts another plan to escape. Thus the two begin tunneling to freedom once again. Before they are able to finish, however, the Abbe suffers from an apoplectic attack, which paralyzes his arm. He informs Dantes that he now expects death very soon, and encourages Dante to escape without him (the tunnel is finished). Dantes refuses to leave him.

Analysis:

Dantes friendship with the Abbe Faria is significant because he acquires much of the knowledge that will later prove key to his survival within French society. Once he escapes this knowledge will create an aura of exotic mystery around him that will help him accomplish his revenge. Vengeance was a characteristic that the Abbe also instilled in Dantes, since Dantes had been unable to deduce alone who was responsible for his imprisonment. This chapter also illuminates Dantes' "disinterested devotion" to the Abbe. He will not leave the Abbe even though a means of escape is now finished. The Abbe is a father figure. Dantes was forced to abandon his real father, thus he will not voluntarily abandon his adopted one.

Even more important is the fact that Dumas purposely makes the Abbe Faria a religious man. This can be seen as divine intervention, a 'deus ex machina' of sorts. Just as Dantes is about to commit suicide, an act that would have condemned him to hell (and the first real sin that he ever contemplates up to this point), a man arrives who manages to give him hope in every way possible. Through the Abbe, Dantes recovers his will to live, deduces who his enemies are, learns arts and sciences, and finally contemplates escape from the prison. This entire chapter is a testament to the Christian belief that God will intervene to support the moral man.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 11

The Abbe reveals to Dantes the existence of a hidden treasure on the Island of Monte Cristo. The existence was discovered by the Abbe by reading the will of Caesar Sprada, who had been made a Cardinal of Rome. Dantes at first thinks that the Abbe is crazy, but he changes his mind when he reads a letter, which reveals the exact location of the treasure. Abbe Faria tells Dantes that he meant to share the treasure with him once they escaped, but should the Abbe die, it shall all belong all to Dantes. The Abbe considers Dantes his son of captivity.

Analysis

The existence of a formidable treasure adds adventure to the plot and promises to give Dantes the financial resources he shall need to seek revenge upon his enemies. By trusting the Abbe, whom others had believed to be crazy, he will amass a great fortune. The Abbe gives Dantes the knowledge of the treasure because he anticipates his own death, and he has paternal affection for Dantes.

The origins of the treasure create a strongly ironic plot twist. Dantes will use a fortune that had belonged to a man who like himself had been robbed by ambitious men. The story, as told by the Abbe Faria, is that the Pope had poisoned Caesar Sprada, the man who had possessed the great riches of Monte Cristo. Anticipating this evil deed, Sprada had made his nephew his sole heir, yet his nephew was also poisoned, and knowledge of the treasure disappeared with them. The Abbe had discovered the will and recovered the exact location of the treasure. Dantes will now go seek this recompense for the time he spent in prison and he will then use it to exact revenge on his enemies. The fortune symbolizes how fate will once again turn in Dantes' favor.

Chapter 12

The Abbe suffers from another attack, this one proving fatal. He calls out to Dantes and Dantes rushes to the aid of his mentor. No aid will save the priest. Dantes then hides out in the tunnel, where he hears that the Abbe is pronounced dead by the prison doctors. They will come pick up the body at ten or eleven o'clock. Dantes thus concocts a plan. He substitutes himself for the dead priest¹s body in the body bag that the doctors provided. He brings a knife with him. He anticipates being buried, after which he will push up the soft earth, and obtain freedom.. In reality, he is tossed into the stormy sea surrounding the Chateau D'If.

Analysis:

This chapter foreshadows the future for Dantes. Now that Dantes knows of the treasure of Monte Cristo he realizes what this fortune could mean for his plans for vengeance. When the priest dies, Dantes is left alone with the corpse. Dumas plays with imagery of daylight and night. Daylight streams into the cell and wins over the night. Similarly Dantes' life is about to awaken. When the jailers joke and say "Bon Voyage" to the corpse, little do they know that the spirit of the Abbe lives on in Dantes. Dantes will fulfill the Abbe's dream of recovering the treasure of Monte Cristo, however he will use it to embark on his journey of vengeance.

Chapter 13

Once Dantes is in the sea he must collect his thoughts and strength. He forces himself to swim to an abandoned isle several miles from the prison. Once there he falls asleep on jagged rocks. A Genoese merchant ship picks him up. Dantes tells them his ship has just been wrecked, for a ship did wreck upon the rocks, yet everyone aboard died. The Genoese find it odd that he has a long beard. The date is February 28, 1829, fourteen years after Dantes was incarcerated. Dumas describes the changes that Dantes' face has undergone. Dantes' face is no longer smiling, but instead glances of hatred dart from his eyes. Dantes joins the crew of the ship and becomes a smuggler aboard the Jeune-Amelie. He passes the abandoned Isle of Monte Cristo at least twenty times, without opportunity to land. Finally, after several months a smuggling expedition will take the boat there. Dantes is overjoyed.

Analysis:

Dantes' struggle to overcome the rough waves of the sea is a symbol of rebirth. He emerges from prison a new man. This chapter shows the change that has occurred in Dantes during his fourteen years as prisoner. He no longer is the naïve youth from the story's beginning. Not only has his countenance changed, but also he is stronger and wiser. He has the wisdom to hide his identity from the Genoese smugglers. He becomes one of them because he no longer respects the law. The law is corrupt, for it unjustly had him incarcerated. Dantes sees himself as above the law. He also has the patience and wisdom not to attempt to find the treasures of Monte Cristo right away. Fate goes his way when the smugglers independently decide to land there for an expedition.

Chapter 14

When the ship lands on the Isle of Monte Cristo, Dantes deludes the crew. He tells them he wishes to go kill a wild goat. Jacopo, the captain, insists on coming with him. They set out, Dantes kills a goat, and he sends Jacopo back to cook it. Meanwhile, Dantes slips and feigns a serious injury, one that will not allow him to be moved back to the ship. Instead, the ship leaves to complete the smuggling expedition and agrees to soon return to fetch him. Dantes is thus left alone on an uninhabited island to search for the treasure. He excavates and finds a wooden chest bound with iron. When the lid opens precious stones are revealed. Dantes is dumbfounded, but it is not a dream. Dantes prays to God.

Analysis:

Dantes does not trust his fellow smugglers to search for the treasure with him. He is no longer the naïve trusting youth who was imprisoned fourteen years prior. The treasure is immense and shall provide the funds for him to execute his vengeance upon his enemies. The treasure is a symbol of the unjust system that poisoned the Sprada family, the very same politically driven system that incarcerated Dantes. Similarly, however, the treasure represents Divine Justice, for it is Dantes' compensation for a lost youth. The Divine Intervention which started with the arrival of the Abbe Faria is now complete. Dantes now has at his disposal all the tools he needs to punish his enemies.

Chapter 15

Dantes fills his pockets with jewels, and reburies the treasure. The Jeune-Amelie returns to pick him up. Dantes then goes to Genoa to buy a boat with a secret compartment, and returns to the Isle Monte Cristo to retrieve the remaining treasure. Jacopo, meanwhile returns from Marseilles where Dantes had sent him. He has news that Louis Dantes is dead, and Mercedes has vanished. Upset by this news, Dantes then uses a newly acquired English passport to enter the city's harbor and town.

Analysis:

This chapter shows how the Abbe's education proves useful to Dantes. He has acquired the fortune, and Jacopo is the first person to believe that this fortune is an inheritance. Dantes has the education befitting one of noble birth thanks to the Abbe, and can thus easily pass for a well-educated nobleman.

Dantes' return to Marseilles marks the beginning of his revenge, a revenge that will parallel the manner by which Dantes suffered. Dantes was punished anonymously and lived for years without knowing who was behind his incarceration. Now the tables have turned; Dantes will anonymously start to wreak havoc on the lives of Danglers, Villefort, Caderouse, and Fernand without them realizing that he is behind their misfortunes.

Chapter 16

Dantes, disguised as the Abbe Busoni, visits Caderousse, who now owns a hotel. Despite his wife's warnings Caderousse decides to reveal to the Abbe Busoni all the details pertaining to the conspiracy against Dantes when he is offered, a diamond to incite his confession. The Abbe tells Caderousse that the diamond is a gift from Dantes for his true friends. The greedy Caderousse willingly damns the guilty Danglars and Fernand in order to receive the diamond all for himself. The only person he commends is Morrel, who apparently stood by Dantes and his father. Caderousse reveals that M. Morrel is now on the brink of poverty because many of his ships have unexpectedly sunk. He further tells the Abbe that Danglars has become a rich baron from banking and Fernand has made his fame and fortune in the army. Fernand is now the Count de Morcerf, and he is married to Mercedes, who succumbed to Fernand after eighteen months of waiting and mourning for Dantes. After confessing all this information to the disguised Dantes, Caderousse receives the diamond.

Analysis:

The first person that Dantes chooses to pay a disguised visit to is Caderousse. The reason for this is obvious: Dantes knows that Caderousse will do anything for money, and hence he is the most obvious person from which to bribe a confession. In addition, it would be substantially harder to elicit any information from Villefort, Fernand, or Danglers since they are all wealthy and powerful. By offering part of a diamond to the poor hotel owner, Dantes obtains the confession he is seeking.

This scene is also important because it confirms the suspicions that Dantes has harbored in prison. For the first time he can be absolutely sure that his "friends" conspired against him. His lust for revenge, first seen while in prison, will only be made stronger through Caderousse¹s confession. At the same time that he learns the fate of those that conspired against him, he also learns of the good deeds of those who were his true friends, and will be able to help them later.

This is the first scene where Dantes interacts with one his former comrades. It is noteworthy that his relationship with Caderousse is entirely different now. Instead of being polite and subservient to Caderousse, Dantes is in charge of the conversation the entire time. Rather than being a victim of Caderousse¹s greed, as his father was early on in the novel, he is now the one manipulating that greed to obtain what he wants, namely information about the conspiracy against him. This changed relationship will permeate the rest of the novel; it is important to note that there will never again be a scene where Dantes is humble or subservient until the very end.

Caderousse¹s greed is a fundamental part of his character, and as such it begins to define his character more and more. The same will be true of the other conspirators, all of whom will have traits that allow Dantes to manipulate them to his advantage. In this case, Caderousse's greed will later prove to be his ultimate downfall.

Chapter 17

Dantes next disguises himself as an Englishman working for a firm named Thomson and French. He visits Monsieur de Boville, the Inspector of Prisons, who also happens to have an investment in M Morrel's company. Morrel¹s company, as mentioned by Caderousse in the previous chapter, is about to go bankrupt. Dantes offers to buy this investment from the Inspector, who happily sells it to Dantes since he can recover his money. Meanwhile, Dantes inquires after the Abbe Faria's death and what the prison thought had become of the old Abbe. Boville, overjoyed at having recovered his investment, is happy to relate the story of the Abbe¹s death. Dantes learns that he too is presumed dead, since the guards thought the cannonball tied to him would have caused him to drown. Dantes also looks at the records regarding his imprisonment. These included Villefort's malicious orders to imprison him and Morrel's attempts to have him freed.

Analysis:

Dumas creates a coincidence where the Inspector of Prisons is the same person to whom M.Morrel owes a considerable sum. This allows Dantes to conveniently both view the prison records and buy Morrel's bank notes from the Inspector. This aids Dantes in confirming that Villefort played a large role in his imprisonment, and it also confirms Caderousse¹s statements that Morrel tried to help Dantes.

The fact that Dantes purchases the banknotes from Boville, thus becoming a bondholder to whom Morrel owes money, it important. As the holder of the banknotes, Dantes becomes the most powerful person in Morrel¹s life. He can either use these debt notes to help M. Morrel, or to cause him to go entirely bankrupt. This is the first time that the reader can start to see a fundamental characteristic of Dantes¹ personality: he believes that man must suffer greatly before he can enjoy happiness. Even the men and women whom he considers friends he will first try to make suffer before "resurrecting" them.

Chapter 18

After collecting many of the debt bills with M. Morrel's signature on them, Dantes, disguised again as the Thomson and French representative, visits Morrel. This visit coincides with the unfortunate news that M. Morrel¹s last ship, the Pharaon, sank during its return voyage from India. Several of the crew members arrive to reveal this bit of news. M. Morrel is therefore unable to honor his debts, most of which are now held by Dantes.

Dantes, wishing to help Morrel, extends the credit due for three months. As he is leaving the house he meets M. Morrel's daughter on the stairway. He tells her that she will receive a letter from Sinbad the Sailor at some point in the future, and that she must follow the instructions of the letter once she receives it. Dantes also exits with a member of the former Pharaon crew.

Analysis:

Chapter 18 contains a great deal of foreshadowing. As the holder of the banknotes, Dantes wields power over M. Morrel. He chooses to give M. Morrel an additional three months to come up with the money to pay the debts, which at first seems to be merely altruistic on his part. However, when Dantes leaves he cryptically tells Morrel¹s daughter to expect a letter from "Sinbad the Sailor". In addition, he also speaks with a member of the Pharaon. Both of these events foreshadow that Dantes is plotting something.

Dantes¹ plans can be largely extrapolated by several clues given in the chapter. First, he grants three months reprieve to M. Morrel. This indicates that whatever he is planning, it will take some time to complete. Second, Dantes uses the nomiker "Sinbad the Sailor". This name is synonymous with good luck; in "Arabian Nights" Sinbad embarks on several journeys that turn out to be initially disastrous but which always end up working out and granting Sinbad extreme wealth. In this case, combined with the fact that Dantes speaks with a Pharaon crewmember, the foreshadowing indicates that Dantes is planning to have great wealth delivered to M. Morrel at some point in the future.

As mentioned earlier, Dantes has come to believe that man must suffer before he deserves to enjoy wealth and prosperity. This is clearly evidenced in his use of the name Sinbad. This name is quite appropriate for Dantes; after suffering for many years he has now escaped from prison and found money beyond his wildest dreams, much like the fabled sailor. The analogy is drawn even closer when we consider that Dantes was a initially a sailor as well.

Chapter 19

Morrel's remaining creditors cash in their bills, and although he pays them his funds are now liquidated. Morrel, desperate to honor his debt to Dantes, asks Danglars for help since Danglers is a banker. Danglers refuses to give him any money.

After the three months are nearly up, Morrel¹s wife and daughter summon his son from a garrison. Morrel, expecting the return of the representative from Thomson and French in a few hours, prepares his pistols in order to commit suicide. Before Dantes arrives, however, Morrel¹s daughter Julie receives the letter from Sinbad the Sailor telling her to fetch a red purse from the sixth floor mantelpiece of 15 Allees de Meilhan. In this purse the Morrel's find a diamond marked as Julie's dowry. The banknotes owed to Thomson and French are also contained within the purse and are marked paid. Simultaneously, a duplicate of the Pharaon pulls into harbor with members of the former crew at its helm. This is a public spectacle, drawing a large crowd. M. Morrel knows a benefactor has helped him, though he does not know who it might be. Dantes stands in the shadows watching the miracle he has created take place. Then he whisks himself off in skiff with the help of Jacopo. Having rewarded his true friends, he will now start to exact his revenge.

Analysis:

This chapter is truly remarkable due to the effect of timing. It is a supreme example of Dumas¹ talent at capturing his reader's interest and attention. Events seem to fall into place perfectly. For example, M.Morrel's son returns at the same time the note from Sinbad the Sailor is received. This is also at the same time that Morrel plans to commit suicide in order to maintain his honor. The note accompanying the diamond wipes out M. Morrel's debts and thus saves him from both suicide and dishonor.

Although there is no blatant reason why Dantes needs to play a three month waiting game with M. Morrel, it can best be interpreted as part of his psychology. The happiness that M. Morrel experiences at this mysterious salvation is intensified by the fact that he was forced to suffer for it, nearly committing suicide in the process. This again reflects Dantes innate belief that a man must suffer before achieving happiness.

The return of a new construction of the Pharaon is symbolic of Dantes' power over fate. Although the ship had sunk, Dantes is able to play a God-like role and give the Pharaon a new life. This act of resurrection is a recurring theme in the novel; Dantes will constantly resurrect people that he cares about, while simultaneously allowing others to die. His power over life and death is a form of divinity achieved through his suffering, and Dumas almost seems to imply that men can become god-like if they suffer enough (an indirect reference to Christianity and the suffering of Christ).

Chapter 20

Albert de Morcerf, son of Mercedes and Fernand, is introduced as a wealthy young nobleman. He is visiting Rome during carnival with his friend Baron Franz d'Epinay. They find the suite at their hotel unsatisfactory, but when they complain they are told that a mysterious rich personage has rented out all the other rooms. Albert and Franz are also unable to rent a carriage. When Dantes, disguised as the Count of Monte Cristo, hears of their difficulty he offers them a seat in his carriage. He also requests to meet them later, thus inviting the two boys to visit him in his elaborate chambers. Dantes suggests they all attend a public execution in the square. This prompts a discussion of various methods of executions, a topic that the Count knows a great deal about. He tells Albert that he does not find decapitation a suitable punishment for many offenses. For example, crimes that cause immense human suffering should not be punished so quickly. The offender should first be made to suffer slowly.

Analysis:

The significance of this chapter is twofold. First, it introduces Dantes as the Count of Monte Cristo for the first time. This is the persona he will use to ingratiate himself upon the upper crust of Europe. As a rich Count, he uses his wealth to create an atmosphere of extreme luxury, impressing the two young men in this scene and later on everyone he meets. Second, Dantes knows that in order to exact his revenge he must have access to his intended victims. Thus, he needs to become a member of the upper crust nobility. By entertaining Albert and Franz, he is really scheming to enter the Parisian society by winning Albert de Morcerf's favor. Thus, every gesture made by Dantes in his role as The Count will be premeditated and calculated.

This scene is the first of the "plot" scenes, where Dantes begins to construct the web by which he will destroy Danglers, Villefort and Fernand. He has the patience (after all he was imprisoned for fourteen years) to construct the perfect plot to strike at his enemies. His discussion of punishments with Albert and Franz foreshadows that his enemies' downfall will not be painless. He believes in an eye for an eye, and thus, since he has suffered so much, his enemies will suffer a great deal.

The detailed discussion of execution techniques shows the breadth of Dantes¹ learning. As the Count, Dantes will exhibit a tremendous amount of knowledge that shows his exposure to many different cultures. This is merely the first example of his showcasing his expertise on a subject, and throughout the novel his ability to discuss any subject in depth will impress and frighten his listeners, much the way he affects Albert in this scene.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 21

Albert, Franz, and the Count of Monte Cristo attend the Carnival, where Albert flirts with a lady in a carriage. He writes her a letter the following day. He receives a reply requesting a rendezvous. Franz soon finds out that this rendezvous was a ploy. He receives a note from Albert requesting the payment of a ransom. He has been kidnapped by Luis Vampa, and infamous Italian bandit. Franz, unfortunately does not have enough money to pay the ransom. He thus goes to Monte Cristo for help. Monte Cristo of course knows Vampa. Thus, the two set out to set Albert free from the bandit camp where he is being held hostage. Albert is sleeping when they arrive, apparently never having lost faith that the bandits would receive their ransom. Monte Cristo of course does not pay the ransom, since Vampa is a friend. Albert is thus set free, and is forever indebted to the count. He offers his services to the count, who asks to be introduced to Parisien society,. He agrees to visit Albert in exactly three months.

Analysis

This chapter further illustrates Dantes' calculating, patient vengeance. He constructs a plot to kidnap Albert, in order to be de Morcerf's savior. He will then have a reason to visit the Morcerf's in Paris. The plot also shows the networking that the Count has managed to achieve. By rendering these bandits indebted to him, they are now at his disposal. They are tools for his vengeance.

Chapter 22

Three months pass. Albert is expecting the Count for lunch. He also invites the minister's secretary and a journalist, Monsieur Beauchamp and Lucien Dubray. Two others arrive as guest, a Baron Chateau-Renard who brings his own "savior" Maximilen Morrel. The son of M. Morrel is here introduced as having saved the Baron's life from Arabs near Constantinople. They eagerly await the arrival of Albert's savior, for he has told them all that he knows of the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo.

The Count arrives, dressed simply, yet perfectly. He impresses the guests with his tale of how he had three emeralds, one which he bought a woman's freedom with, another a man's life, and the third is passed around the table as an encasement to opium pills the guests had wished to see.

The Count learns at this lunch that Albert is engaged to Eugenie Danglars, the daughter of the very same Danglars who was responsible for Dantes' incarceration. He also learns that Morrel's daughter Julie has been married nine years.

The Count also has bought a house in Paris. It is at 30 Champs Elysees. He has also bought a house in Auteuil, a suburb of Paris. This impresses the guests. Beauchamp offers to open the world of the Paris opera to Monte Cristo. He however, says he has had his steward obtain him a seat. The guests leave and Albert is left alone with the Count.

Analysis:

The Count has earned Albert's trust, thus he shall now use Albert as a pawn to enter Paris society. Of course, the count has already met Maximilien Morrel, and is pleased that the Morrel's are now successful again. He uses this good deed as justification for his plans for revenge. The fact that Julie Morrel has been married for 9 years is an indication of how much time the Count has spent calculating his revenge. He sees himself as divine justice, rewarding those who are good and punishing those who are evil. Already, after this luncheon Monte Cristo is closer to his goal. He will meet the Morcerfs. The Count's refusal to accept Beauchamp's offer is a symbol of the Count's resolve to not be indebted to anyone.

Chapter 23

The Count is introduced to Albert's father, who has heard Albert's story of the Count's rescue. The two men chat. The Count de Morcerf does not recognize him. He claims to be indebted to the Count for saving his son, and thus invites Monte Cristo to attend the Chamber of Commerce with him. The Count wishes to meet the Countess de Morcerf, who is of course Mercedes. When the countess sees The Count of Monte Cristo, Albert comments, "are you ill, mother?". Mercedes has recognized him, but does not reveal his identity. She becomes lost in thought. She also warns Albert to be careful around the Count.

Analysis:

Everyone in Paris is impressed and baffled by the Count of Monte Cristo. This includes Albert's father, The Count de Morcerf. He is eager to befriend this rich enigmatic man, a symbol that his greed had not subsided. He does not anticipate his own downfall. The Countess however, recognizes Monte Cristo. She alone recognizes the count, yet she says nothing, for as we find out later she understands his desire for vengeance. She warns Albert to beware of the Count for her love for her son is the most valuable treasure in her life.

Chapter 24

The following chapter is where Dantes tests his servant, Bertuccio's, fidelity. Bertuccio must tell Dantes the story of why he is scared of the Auteuil house that Dantes just purchased. He once attempted to murder Monsieur de Villefort there. The house belonged to the deceased wife of the public prosecutor, who refused to investigate the murder of Bertuccio's brother. Bertuccio sought revenge on Villefort and stabbed him in the very same garden of Monte Cristo's new house. Bertuccio also rescued a newborn baby that Villefort had buried alive. Dantes already knows Bertuccio's story, and he purchased the house in order to extract the story from Bertuccio. This is how Monte Cristo knew the story. Bertuccio was part of a smuggler's ring that hid at Caderousse's inn. In 1829, Bertuccio was present when Dantes was disguised as the Abbe Busoni when he gave Caderousse the diamond. Bertuccio witnessed the gift and what ensued. Caderousse proceeded to fetch a jeweler to sell the diamond. Once Caderousse had the money, his greed took over, and he killed the jeweler and his wife, and took back the diamond. Bertuccio was arrested, and the Abbe Busoni (Dantes) heard his confession in prison. Once Bertuccio was found innocent (Caderousse confessed and was sent to a labor camp), Abbe Busoni recommended that Bertuccio work for the Count of Monte Cristo. Thus Dantes knew the story all along, yet the concordance of Bertuccio's story to his confession is proof of his sincerity.

Analysis:

This chapter puts forth the story that spells the downfall of Monsieur de Villefort and Caderousse. The Count wishes to test Bertuccio's fidelity, yet Bertuccio's story also foreshadows Villefort's downfall. The newborn baby Villefort buried was adopted by Bertuccio's sister in law, became a smuggler, and stayed at Caderousse's inn. He will murder Caderousse and publicly ruin Villefort. The newborn baby symbolizes Villefort's disrespect for life in general. Villefort had no qualms "burying" Dantes alive in the Chateau D'If just like his conscience did not stop him from burying his own child (a bastard) in a garden alive. Villefort's disrespect for life is later punished by the poisonings that shall plague his household.

Chapter 25

Danglars visits the Count. The Count admires Danglars' horses, thus he instructs Bertuccio to offer him the price it will take to buy them. Danglars, of course, a man of business, will sell them to the Count. Monte Cristo has his valet tell Danglars that he is engaged. Danglars thus leaves his calling card, and Monte Cristo returns the banker's visit that evening. He travels there in a carriage drawn by his newly acquired horses.

When Danglars and the Count meet, they discuss a letter from the firm of Thomson and French that opens an account with Danglars for the Count's unlimited credit. Danglars is astonished at this letter. Monte Cristo further astonishes him by presenting two more letters of the same nature. He has unlimited credit with three firms in Europe. Danglars is surprised because he believed himself to have been acquainted with all the major fortunes of Europe. Monte Cristo tells him his fortune is old money, yet money which had previously been inaccessible.

Danglars wishes to present his wife to the Count. Monsieur Debray is currently in his wife's company. The Count met Debray at the lunch at Albert de Morcerf's. Madame Danglars has thus heard of the Count from Debray (her lover) and Albert (betrothed to her daughter). Madame Danglars is astonished, however, when her maid tells her of Monte Cristo's horses. They were, earlier in the day, her horses, and now they are attached to the Count's carriage. She blames her husband, a creature of profit, for selling her prize possession. Two hours later, after his departure, Monte Cristo sends the Madame a letter and returns the horses. He even inserts a diamond on the rosettes that they wear on their ears.

The next morning when Madame de Villefort and her son take a ride in the carriage drawn by Madame Danglars' prized dappled grays, the horses become wild. They pass the Count's Auteuil residence, where Ali, the Count's valet, is conveniently located and equipped with a lasso to save the mother and son. The son has fainted. Monte Cristo pours a drop of liquid in the child's mouth, and thus the child is rejuvenated.

Analysis:

This chapter witnesses the Count winning favor with the wives of both his archenemies. He plays with Danglars' desire for money, by buying his wife's horses from him, not because he actually desires the horses, but because he wishes to win Danglars' wife favor. He does this by returning the horses to her. This gesture also astounds and intimidates his enemy because the Count essentially throws away the huge sum of money for which he bought them. His ploy also widens the domestic schism that already exists in the Danglars' household, for husband and wife do not live in happy matrimony.

The Count also wins the trust of Madame Heloise de Villefort. By "saving" her from the wild horses, and rejuvenating her son, Madame de Villefort is so impressed with the miraculous Count. He knows the story will be related to her husband who will feel obliged to visit the Count. This is how the Count schemes to meet his nemesis.

Chapter 26

Monsieur de Villefort visits the Count to thank him for the service he paid to his family. When the Count makes a philosophical statement, Monsieur de Villefort comments that the Count must have nothing to do all day to have time to philosphize. The Count retorts that Villefort assumes that his post as public prosecutor is "something to do," but in reality his post is merely part of a human social organization. This prompts a discussion between the two where the Count says his only barrier is deathŠit is the only thing that can stop him from his overall mission of which is to act as Providence. He states that he exists to reward and punish. Monsieur de Villefort is no doubt impressed by the superiority of this man. He makes reference to his father, Noirtier, who, in his day, was a great man as well, but who is now paralyzed and cannot speak. Thus, he insinuates the Monte Cristo should not be as self-assured, for there are other demons that strike human beings besides death. He takes leave of Monte Cristo saying that he holds the Count in high esteem.

Analysis:

Ironically, Monte Cristo states his true purpose in life to Villefort, his enemy. Villefort is unaware that Monte Cristo's mission to do justice is directed at him. At all times in the conversation, Monte Cristo is in the position of control. This control is symbolized by the manner in which he speaks, his great wealth and his great intellect. The Count is almost superhuman. Monsieur de Villefort, a man of high status in Parisien society, is at times dumbfounded and intimidated. Nonetheless, he wishes to cultivate a friendship with the Count.

Chapter 27

The Count visits Haydee, a Greek slave that he hadpurchased. He tells her she is free. She however, loves him and does not wish to leave him. The Count tells her not to reveal her identity. She says she will remain in seclusion in Paris.

Analysis:

This chapter reveals the tenderness that Haydee harbors for the Count. It is a chapter that foreshadows Haydee's role in the Count's mission to destroy his enemies. Haydee must not reveal her birth for it will be used against Morcerf in a court of law, but for now it must kept silent.

Chapter 28

Monte Cristo next visits the Morrel residence. He is introduced to Julie and she relates to him the story of the man who bestowed a miracle upon her family. Monte Cristo is pleased at the family's apparent economic success. He also observes that they keep the diamond and the note that he wrote as Sinbad the Sailor in a crystal globe. When the Morrel's state that the man's identity was anonymous, Monte Cristo states that perhaps it was his friend Lord Wilmore, who performs similar good deeds. Maximillien states, to Monte Cristo's astonishment, that on M. Morrel's deathbed he claimed that it was Edmond Dantes who had saved his family. At this information the Count leaves abruptly stating that he has other engagements. He mentions that he will return, however.

Analysis:

This chapter shows the result of Monte Cristo's rewards upon the Morrel family. They are all happy. Monte Cristo is careful not to portray emotion, however. When he hears of M.Morrel's proclamation on his deathbed he must leave for it stirs up emotions that he must not show. This chapter is one of the few that shows that the Count is perhaps not a tower of stone, and may still have human feelings. Monte Cristo is often alluded to as superhuman, as if he were above human sentiments. Chapters like this one, show that he merely must assume this role in order to accomplish his goal of revenge.

Chapter 29

Monte Cristo returns Monsieur de Villefort's visit. He meets Valentine, who he remembers meeting in Italy at the Carnival. Valentine is Villefort's daughter by his first marriage. He also has a conversation about chemistry with Madame de Villefort, who has an apparent knowledge and interest in the subject. She saw him remedy her son, thus she thinks he is a great chemist. He has knowledge of poisons, and agrees to give her the formula for the concoction that cured her son. He then departs.

Analysis:

In this chapter the Count continues to obtain the trust of Madame de Villefort. He sends her the remedy and is thus true to his promise. This chapter foreshadows Madame de Villefort's use of the poisons against her husband's family from his first marriage. The poison is also a symbol of the putrid personalities that reside within the Villefort household, such as the public prosecutor himself. His greed and obsession for success poison his personality.

Chapter 30

Albert de Morcerf and Monsieur Debray pay a visit to the Count. Albert expresses his displeasure at his engagement to Eugenie Danglars. He mentions his mother's displeasure at the betrothal as well. Albert concludes to fight with his father to avoid upsetting his mother. The three also discuss Madame Danglars' gambling habits. Albert suggests that Debray teach her a lesson by giving her false information that would cause her to lose money. Debray laughs uneasily and leaves. Left alone, Monte Cristo informs Albert that he is planning a dinner party for the Villeforts and the Danglars. He uses Albert's engagement to the Danglars' daughter as a pretext for his excuse at not inviting the Morcerfs. After all, the Morcerf's presence would make it seem like an engagement ball. Albert is in agreement since he fears the prospect of this marriage. In fact, Dantes mentions that he will introduce Andrea Calvacanti to the Danglars as another option for their daughter.

Analysis:

This chapter foreshadows the havoc that Andrea Calvacanti will cause in Parisien society. The Count saves Albert from marriage to Eugenie Danglars because he knows that the money hungry Danglars will find Calvacanti a better alternative. Calvacanti is Monte Cristo's "Italian Prince," yet in reality he is an escaped convict. He will be arrested at the betrothal party, publicly humiliating Danglars. Calvacanti is backed by Monte Cristo's unlimited funds and is an example how the treasure of Monte Cristo is instrumental in executing the Count's revenge. This chapter also foreshadows the monetary gain Debray amasses from being the lover of Madame Danglars. The Count is perceptive, noting Debray's uneasiness at Albert's mention of Madame Danglars gambling habits. Madame Danglars is merely Debray's pawn, her monetary risks are influenced by Debray. The Count intends to use this relationship to further ruin Danglars financial resources.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 31

Monte Cristo is paying an older gentleman to act as Marquis Bartolomeo Calvacanti, father of Andrea Calvacanti. They are both receiving an allowance to act as Andrea Calvacanti. They are presented to one another. Monte Cristo also invites them to his dinner party. He intends to introduce Andrea Calvacanti to Parisien society.

Analysis

Monte Cristo is here setting the stage for Calvacanti's entrance to Parisien society where he will be instrumental in the downfall of Villefort, Caderousse, and Danglars.

Chapter 32

In this chapter one learns that Maximilien Morrel and Valentine are in love. Valentine's father however, is to marry her off to Franz d'Epinay, whom she can never love. Her stepmother is opposed to the idea of her marrying in general for it means that Madame de Villefort's son will have nothing to inherit, for valentine will receive the fortune. Valentine and Maximilien meet in the garden, but Valentine must hurry off to meet her stepmother.

Analysis:

This chapter presents Valentine's marriage dilemma. Her father still is trying to loose his ties to the Bonapartists. He thus wishes to marry her to the son of a staunch royalist. Valentine, however, is closer to her Bonapartist grandfather. Noirtier will reveal his biggest secret to save her from the arms of a man she does not love. This chapter also presents Valentine's stepmother as a greedy mother who only seeks funds for her son. This woman's monetary greed foreshadows the tragedies that will strike the Villefort household. She is in fact a mirror image of Villefort, who was willing to sacrifice human life for is own gain.

Chapter 33

Monsieur and Madame de Villefort live with Noirtier, Villefort's aged paralyzed father. Noirtier's fortune shall pass to Valentine upon her marriage. Thus, in this chapter, the Villefort's proceed to Noirtier's chamber to tell him of Valentine's coming marriage to Baron Franz d'Epinay. Noirtier is unable to speak since he suffered a stroke, however his discomfort and fury at this arrangement is apparent. There is existed much political enmity between Noirtier and this family. In fact, Noirtier was suspected of murdering the Baron's father. Villefort's goal in marrying Valentine to the Baron is thus to allay suspicion of this assassination.

Valentine is summoned. She alone can decipher the old man's thoughts. He decides to make a will disinheriting Valentine if she marries the Baron. She, of course, approves of this for she does not wish to marry the Baron. She will still have Noirtier's love. Valentine also has other sources of income. Thus, Noirtier's actions are a threat to Villefort, not Valentine. Villefort, however, will not allow themselves to be intimidated by the whims of an old man. Let him donate his money to charity, says Madame de Villefort, for he has also made it clear that the money will not go to Madame de Villefort's son.

Analysis:

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter. Noirtier attempts to save Valentine from marriage. By denying her of his fortune, (but not his love) he hopes to prevent her father from marrying her to Franz. He will have to resort to greater measures, however. Only after he reveals his guilt in the death of Franz d'Epinay's father

Chapter 34

The Count visits the Villeforts to remind them to attend his dinner party at his Auteuil house. Monsieur de Villefort of course recognizes the address of this haunting house. It is the one where he was stabbed attempting to bury his live newborn child.

The Count also sends a telegram to Debray in this chapter relating a contrived news bulletin of a political chaos in Spain. Debray thus rushes to Danglars' wife telling her to recommend to her husband that he sell all his Spanish bonds. He does so, though he loses money. At the end of the day when the news is proven false, the bonds rise to twice their original value. The net loss for Danglars is thus a million francs.

Analysis:

The Count's mechanism to destroy two of his enemies is set in motion. He insists that the Villeforts attend, even though this shall be very emotionally taxing for the public prosecutor. The Count also is responsible for providing false information to Debray. This will cause Danglars to speculate incorrectly and lose one million francs.

Chapter 35

The guests arrive at the dinner party. Monte Cristo serves them astounding exotic foods. Bertuccio, his servant recognizes Andrea Calvacanti as the newborn baby he has saved from Villefort's box. It is the baby his sister in law raised. He also recognizes Madame Danglars as the woman Villefort used to visit at Auteuil. After dinner, Monte Cristo gives the guests a tour of the house and makes several insinuations that a crime was committed in his new house. He gives the guest a tour, finally leading them to the garden where he says he dug up the skeleton of a newborn baby. All the while he has observed Villefort and Madame Danglars tremble.

Analysis:

The Count's tour causes Villefort and Madame Danglars much psychological trauma. The rest of the guest's are astounded at the Count's exotic hospitality. The exotic foods are a symbol of the Count's worldliness. He is no longer a naïve youth. Villefort trembles because he now realizes that the Count knows the secrets of his past. He is aware that there was no skeleton buried in the garden, for he had searched for this very same skeleton and had never found it. Thus, he is aware that the count is lying to everyone by saying that he had found the remains of a newborn baby.

Chapter 36

Caderousse returns as an escaped convict and enters Andrea Calvacanti's carriage as he is leaving Monte Cristo's dinner party. He demands a cut of what Calvacanti is being paid by Monte Cristo. Andrea agrees.

Analysis:

This chapter links both Caderousse and Calvacanti (Benedetto). It creates tension between the two that shall not be resolved until Benedetto kills Caderousse when he attempts to rob the Count.

Chapter 37

Monsieur Debray, upon leaving Monte Cristo's dinner party, returns to Madame Danglars' residence. He notices her agitation but she denies any trouble. Danglars enters their suite. He advises his wife that she should not keep Debray away from his house late at night since Debray's residence is some distance away. Debray is shocked at this intrusion. Danglars, however, wins the battle of words between himself and his wife. Debray leaves. Danglars proceeds to blame her for ruining his fortune. He demands that she pay him a quarter of what he lost because it was at her request that he had sold his Spanish bonds. After all, he reasons, when he earns money he pays her a cut of the profits. When he gives her this money he claims that he does not ask her where she spends it, though he insinuates that he knows she passes it on to Debray. Thus, if she does not have the money to pay for the loss, she should ask Debray for the money. Danglars knows all about her love affairs. He knows that Debray is not the first, and he tolerates it until it dips into his fortune. He even knows that her past includes her lover Monsieur de Villefort, and that she was at one time six months pregnant by him. Madame Danglars is overwhelmed.

Analysis:

Monte Cristo has succeeded in ruining a million francs of Danglars' fortune by providing false knowledge to Debray. Danglars consequently falsely speculated after his wife relayed Debray's false information. Thus Monte Cristo is on the road to destroying the man who was the mastermind behind his incarceration. His destruction must occur slowly, however, just as he was made to rot slowly away in prison.

Chapter 38

Danglars pays a visit to Monte Cristo. He complains of his investment adviser, Jacopo, who never made a mistake till now. He just lost seven hundred thousand francs at Trieste. Calvacanti is also opening credit with Danglars, and Monte Cristo backs up this man's "incredible fortune" verbally for Danglars. He also mentions that Calvacanti's son may be looking for a Parisien wife. Danglars, the speculator is intrigued at this prospect. He reveals to Monte Cristo that he is not completely sure about his daughter's engagement to Albert de Morcerf.. Danglars was made a baron, but de Morcerf made himself a count. They are both of humble birth, but there has been scandal attached to Morcerf's name. Monte Cristo feigns vague recollection of the Ali Pasha affair.

Analysis:

Monte Cristo continues to destroy Danglars financially. He also wishes to humiliate Danglars publicly. He thus introduces Danglars to the idea that Calvacanti may be looking for a Parisien wife such as Eugenie. Danglars shall make the arrangements for the betrothal despite his daughter's wishes.

Chapter 39

Madame Danglars visits Monsieur de Villefort, for he had given her an appointment to discuss the previous evening's events. Recollect that Monte Cristo had told his guests that he had found a skeleton in the backyard of a newborn baby. However, Villefort now admits to Madame Danglars that this is impossible. It is impossible because he had returned after his recuperation from the Corsican's stabbing to find the garden devoid of any box containing the dead child. He thus assumes that the Corsican saved the child and that it is alive. Monte Cristo must know their secret and he swears to find out how. Within a week he says he will know who Monte Cristo really is, where he comes from, and why he knows their secret.

Analysis:

This chapter clarifies that Madame Danglars did not know that her baby was born alive. She believed it to be a stillbirth. She was unaware of Villefort's evil sin. Ironically, Villefort will soon know Monte Cristos true identity, but only once he has been ruined and Monte Cristo chooses to deliver the final blow.

Chapter 40

Albert returns from Treport and visits Monte Cristo. Albert states that the thought of living with Mademoiselle Danglars every day horrifies him. Monte Cristo reassures Albert by stating that Monsieur Danglars may back out on his word in favor of another husband for his daughter. At this Albert wonders why he is not good enough for Danglars, despite his desire to be rid of the duty to marry. Monte Cristo reassures Albert Danglars is a man of bad taste, and thus prefers another to Albert.

Analysis:

This chapter furthers the trust that Albert bears for Monte Cristo. Monte Cristo reassures Albert that he shall not have to marry Danglars' daughter. Danglars has other plans in mind, for he is a man without taste.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 41

Madame and Mademoiselle de Villefort have gone to a ball. Monsieur de Villefort stays home to reflect on the troubling events of the past few days. Soon, his first wife's mother Madame de Saint-Meran enters sobbing, for her husband has just died of apoplexy. She believes that she will soon die, and is put to bed. She wishes to hurry Valentine's marriage for she wishes to be there to bless the union. When Valentine tells Maximilien of her decision to honor her father's and grandmother's wishes, he swears that he will kill himself for he cannot go on living without her. Meanwhile, Valentine's grandmother dies.

Valentine later sends a note to Maximilien summoning him to her house's gate, their meeting place. At half past ten, Valentine has still not arrived, thus Maximilien jumps over the gate to go find her. He must hide, however, for Monsieur de Villefort is strolling in the garden with a doctor. He overhears the doctor say that Valentine's grandmother died of poisoning.

When Maximilien finally meets Valentine in the Villefort house, Valentine secretly brings him to see Noirtier, the only one left who still loves her. Valentine tells Noirtier how much she loves him, and how she will kill herself if she has to marry Franz. Noirtier makes Maximilien promise to wait and to not be hasty, for he says that the marriage contract with Franz shall never be signed.

Analysis

This chapter commences the series of Madame de Villefort's poisonings. It is later revealed that Villefort's wife killed Valentine's grandmother in order to secure an inheritance for her son. This chapter also outlines the love between Maximilien and Valentine. It also foreshadows Noirtier's destruction of Villefort's plans to marry Valentine to Franz..

Chapter 42

Monsieur de Villefort attempts to settle the marriage contract with Franz d'Epinay. He is however interrupted by Noirtier summoning Franz to his bedroom. Franz, wishing to win Noirtier's approval, goes. He is however shocked by what he is about to learn. Noirtier has his safe opened that reveals the minutes from a Bonapartist meeting in February of 1815. This was when Franz's father was assassinated. He reads the minutes, which reveal that Franz's father was taken to a Bonapartist meeting, where he maintained his loyalty to the monarch, Louis XVIII. When he was returned from the meeting he insulted the president of the meeting. The two then engaged in a duel where the Bonapartist, who remains unnamed in the minutes, wins. The body of Franz's father is thrown into the river. Franz is shocked to finally learn the details of his father's death. He is further shocked when Noirtier tells him that it was he who killed his father. Noirtier was president of the Bonapartist meeting. Franz thus leaves the room.

Analysis:

This chapter finally relates the Bonapartist events that transpired in 1815 which resulted in the death of Franz d'Epinay's father. The death is shown to have been in a duel, nevertheless, Franz feels he cannot marry Valentine. Valentine is saved and will soon be free to marry her love Maximilien.

Chapter 43

Franz writes Villefort that he will be unable to marry Valentine. Valentine meets Maximilien and happily tells him that she will relate the events that transpired to free her from Franz once she is his wife. The prospect that Valentine shall be his wife is thrilling to Maximilien.

Meanwhile, the Count de Morcerf visits Danglars to request Danglars' daughter's hand for his son. Despite the fact that the two had previously discussed this union, Danglars refuses. He states that he needs to reflect longer. He does not give a reason but assures Morcerf it has nothing to do with his son.

Analysis:

Maximilien's honorable patience with the Villefort's shall be rewarded for he shall soon obtain his treasure, Valentine, as his wife.

The Count de Morcerf is also insulted in this chapter by Danglars who backs out of their agreement that their children shall marry. Danglars is wary of the scandal that is attached to Morcerf's name. This foreshadows Morcerf's dowfall.

Chapter 44

Noirtier summons Maximilien. Valentine communicates Noirtier's wishes to Maximilien that Noirtier will move out of the Villefort residence, and with her father's blessing Valentine will move in with him. After this, Noirtier will give the couple his blessing for the marriage. Maximilien is overjoyed. Noirtier drinks lemonade, and Valentine offers it to Barrois. Consequently, Barrois suffers from a series of fits. The doctor again identifies this death by poison. He suspects Valentine, but Monsieur de Villefort's refuses this explanation, and the doctor agrees to keep silent. He warns Villefort however, that more tragedies shall strike his household..

Analysis:

Once again death strikes the Villefort household. This time it is the servant Barrois, whose death is actually unintended. The poison was intended for someone else. The Doctor D'Avrigny predicts that more deaths shall ensue, yet he continues to abide by Villefort's wishes that the poisonings remain secret.

Chapter 45

Caderousse again hounds Andrea Calvacanti. He demands a higher allowance. He demands Calvacanti's diamond ring, and the layout plans of Monte Cristo's Champs Elysees' residence. He plans to rob the residence, since Calvacanti tells him that the count leaves his second floor windows open. Calvacanti provides all the information Caderousse desires because Caderousse could destroy him by revealing to the authorities his true identity for he is an escaped convict.

Analysis:

Caderousse is constantly trying to ameliorate his fate. He fails consistently for he was an accomplice to Dantes' incarceration. Monte Cristo's revenge against Caderousse is that of divine justice.

Chapter 46

Monte Cristo goes to his country house in Auteuil the day after Caderousse and Andrea's meeting. Andrea sends an anonymous letter to Monte Cristo warning him that an enemy of his is intending to break in to his house in Paris. Monte Cristo thus summons all his servants away from the house, and departs to go defend it himself with his servant Ali. He is expecting a threat to his life, thus when he finds Caderousse breaking in he realizes how small the the threat is. Monte Cristo quickly changes garb. He now is Abbe Busoni, whom Caderousse will recognize. Caderousse is astounded at the Abbe's presence. He attempts to stab the Ab be, who fortunately is wearing a mesh protective suit. The Abbe says to Caderousse that he shall forgive him, if and only if Caderousse makes it home safely. This will be a sign from God that Caderousse has been forgiven by God. The Abbe has seen a shadow lurking by his house, however. He thus anticipates that Caderousse shall not return home alive. This shadow soon stabs Caderousse as the greedy old man attempts his escape. When Caderousse is dying, he refuses to acknowledge that there is a God and does Providence exist. He criticizes the Abbe for not having warned him of the man who awaited in the shadows to stab him. This shadow was Calvacanti. The Abbe said it was justice. He believes firmly in god and Providence, and it was finally time for Caderousse to pay for his sins. Caderousse had been saved many times already, yet he had failed to change his ways.. The abbe Busoni had saved Caderousse from death after Caderousse had been convicted of murder. He was sentenced to hard labor instead. Then, Caderousse was saved from the prison as well. here, Monte Cristo was disguised as Lord Wilmore, who gave Caderousse a file. The file was tused to free him from his chains. Abbe Busoni tells Caderousse that God no longer has mercy upon him for his sins. Just as Caderousse is about to die, the Abbe whispers in his ear his true identity. This causes Caderousse to cry out that he believes in God. The Abbe sends for a doctor and the public prosecutor, and looks at the corpse as says "One.". The doctor and prosecutor find him praying over the body.

Before Caderousse had died he signed a declaration for the Abbe naming his assassin as Benedetto. The police now search for this man.

Analysis:

At the close of this chapter Monte Cristo has finished his revenge on one of his enemies. Caderousse's greed has finally caused his death. Since he is killed in Monte Cristo's residence, the Count has the opportunity to speak to Caderousse in his final moments and to reveal his true identity. Monte Cristo's role is god-like. He assumes the right to execute divine justice upon this man.

Chapter 47

The Count of Monte Cristo takes Albert de Morcerf on a vacation to his house in Normandy. The two ride in a carriage drawn by several stellar horses. The trip, however, is cut short when Albert receives a message from Beauchamp revealing that a terrible disaster has occurred to his father. Albert throws a newspaper clipping at Monte Cristo for him to read as he bolts out the door. The newspaper says that his father has been accused of treachery. He is accused of surrendering the Greek castles and his benefactor Ali Pasha to the Turks while he was a soldier.

Analysis:

This chapter brings Monte Cristo closer to his goal of destroying the Count of Morcerf. He leads Albert away from Paris just as he releases the information of the Ali Pasha affair to the newspapers. Albert hears of the news and rushes back to Paris to avenge his father's honor, not knowing that it is the Count who is responsible.

Chapter 48

Albert returns to Paris and goes immediately to Beauchamp. Beauchamp tells him of the events that transpired in his absence. The newspaper had printed his father's treachery, yet his father had not read it. However, everyone else at the chamber of commerce had. Morcerf trembled at the accusation. An inquiry was conducted after Morcerf went to his home to collect documents. He had saved these documents to clear his name of his terrible deed. He presented these documents to the Chamber, yet they are soon refuted by the testimony of Haydee, Monte Cristo's Greek slave. She positively identifies Morcerf as Fernand Mondego, the man who had betrayed her father, Ali Pasha, and had sold her and her mother into slavery. The Chamber finds Morcerf guilty because of Haydee's compelling testimony and his inability to refute the accusation

Analysis:

The Count had prepared documents to prove his innocence in the Ali Pasha affair, however the witness who testifies against him is proof of his guilt. Monte Cristo has thus ruined his second enemy.

Chapter 49

Albert is determined to seek out his father's enemy. He will demand a fight. First, he believes it to be Danglars, but when he visits Danglars, he realizes that it is his friend the Count of Monte Cristo who is to blame for his shame.

Analysis:

In this chapter, Albert finally realizes that it is the Count who is responsible for his father's shame. He of course does not believe that his father is guilty of what has been brought against him, thus Albert's quest is now to avenge his family's honor.

Chapter 50

When Albert goes to visit the Count he is told that the Count is bathing, but he will be at the opera later that evening. Albert thus confronts the Count at the opera in Monte Cristo's box. Monte Cristo agrees to fight the next morning at 8 am. Maximilian Morrel will be his second. Monte Cristo believes that the sins of the father descend upon the son, thus he intends to kill Albert. He is sure of his upcoming success.

Analysis:

Albert is intent upon fighting for his father's honor. Monte Cristo apparently has no feelings for Albert, and agrees to fight. He boasts with confidence that he will kill Albert.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 51

The Countess de Morcerf (Mercedes) visits Monte Cristo and pleads with the Count to spare her son. She cries that she too has suffered from pain of loss of Dantes, her lover. She did not realize that she had married Dantes' enemy, the man who had had him incarcerated. When Monte Cristo agrees to let Albert live, he tells her this means that he will die. He is surprised when she thanks him for sparing her son. She calls him noble and great hearted

Analysis

The Countess of Morcerf visits Monte Cristo and succeeds in obtaining his sympathy. This is the first time the reader catches a glimpse of Monte Cristo's dormant feelings for Mercedes. Of course, the next morning when Albert apologizes to the Count, Monte Cristo realizes that the Countess had never planned that he should die in place of Albert.

Chapter 52

The Count is ready for the duel at 8 am. His second, Maximilien Morrel, and his sister, Julie's, husband are also present. Monte Cristo allays their fears that he has a poor shot. He places an ace of diamonds in the four-corners of a wooden board, and shoots the center of the diamond of each card. Despite this he warns them that he shall not win. Monte Cristo shall shoot first. When Albert arrives, however, Monte Cristo realizes that his mother has told him everything. Thus Albert apologizes to Monte Cristo and offers him his hand. Monte Cristo accepts and the two shake hands.

Analysis:

This chapter highlights the Count's exceptional shot, which he no doubt cultivated in the nine year interlude between is escape from prison and the realization of his vengeance. Monte Cristo was willing to die in the duel and spare Albert, however the Countess prevents this occurrence. She is still noblehearted, and is willing to see her treacherous husband's honor go unavenged.

Chapter 53

Albert begins to pack as soon as he arrives home, for he cannot live in Paris amidst his father's corrupted past. He packs jewels and a portrait of his mother in his suitcase. When he goes to his mother's room he discovers that she too is packing. He informs her that he intends to live in poverty. She admires his courage, but instills in him her confidence for his future success. At this moment, Albert receives a letter from the Count. In the letter he directs Albert to a garden at Dantes' father's house. It is here where so many years ago he buried the three thousand francs meant to start his household with Mercedes. He tells him that Mercedes and he have a right to this pittance, and that they should take it. Mercedes' accepts the proposition intending to bring the money with her to a convent.

Analysis:

Though Mercedes renounces all of her husband's fortune, she is willing to return to Marseilles to retrieve the small amount originally set aside for her and Dantes. The Count gives this to her, thus showing that he has pity for the ruin he has brought to her.

Chapter 54

Maximilien returns with Monte Cristo from the duel, but declines a lunch date with the Count. The Count guesses he his in love, and Maximilien does not deny it. The Count assures Maximilien that should he need anything Maximilien should come to him. The Count also realizes that he may be falling in love with Haydee. The Count de Morcerf, who demands to know why his son apologized to the Count instead of fighting him, also visits him. Morcerf, then, wishes to fight the Count. The Count says they should lose no time, since they know eachother so well. Morcerf says it is to the contrary, they hardly know each other. At this opening, Monte Cristo cites the shameful deeds of Fernand Mondego's military past, including desertion at Waterloo and spying in Spain. This infuriates Morcerf who demands to know Monte Cristo's real identity. Monte Cristo quickly changes into a sailor costume in an adjoining room. This makes Morcerf tremble and scream with terror the name Edmund Dantes! He goes home, sees his wife and son leaving, and shoots himself.

Analysis:

The Count of Morcerf is vanquished in this chapter. He loses all that he has lived for since Dantes imprisonment: his wife, his son, and his honor.

Chapter 55

Maximilien goes to visit Valentine and Noirtier. He finds that Valentine is not feeling so well. She has been drinking Noirtier's medicine. Meanwhile, Madame and Eugenie Danglars come to announce Eugenie's engagement to Prince Calvacanti. Eugenie is not happy. She wishes for freedom, not a husband. Since Valentine is ill, she is excused from their company. When Maximilien asks of their upcoming marriage, Valentine falls back motionless. Villefort runs to the doctor, Maximilien runs to the Count. The Count is astonished to know that Maximilien is in love with the daughter of an accursed family. He, however, promises that if Valentine is not dead, she will not die. The doctor also speaks to Noirtier who informs him that he has been boosting valentine's tolerance to the poison that someone is trying to kill her with. Thus, thanks to Noirtier she will not die.

The Abbe Busoni purchases the house next door to the Villefort's and visits Valentine.

Analysis:

It is thanks to Noirtier that Valentine is not dead. He has been boosting her tolerance to the toxin that Madame de Villefort poisons her with. He does not yet know who the culprit is. It is Monte Cristo who intends to observe Valentine's room from the house he purchases next door under the alias Abbe Busoni.

Chapter 56

Andrea Calvacanti and Eugenie Danglars are about to sign the marriage contract. There is a betrothal party at the Danglars' house. Monte Cristo arrives and attracts much attention. Madame de Villefort is present yet Monsieur de Villefort is not. Monte Cristo explains that it is his fault that the public prosecutor is absent. He explains that a vest was found which belonged to the murderer of the thief who broke into his residence. The vest also contained a revealing letter. He mentions that the thief Œs name was Caderousse. At the mention of this name, Danglars pales. Calvacanti also disappears, just in time, for police come for his arrest. They announce that Calvacanti is an escaped convict.

Analysis:

Monte Cristo accomplishes his public humiliation of Danglars by framing Calvacanti. This also causes Danglars' daughter to take the opportunity to escape from marriage and her family.

Chapter 57

Eugenie is anything but disappointed that her marriage is now called off. She now has an excuse not to marry. She is prepared to escape that night with her friend Louise d'Armilly. They were to escape on Eugenie's wedding night. They pack, and Eugenie dresses as a man. She cuts her hair, without remorse. She is comfortable in her new garb. They escape in a carriage unnoticed.

Analysis:

This chapter shows how Danglars' has lost his daughter due to the failed betrothal plans that he had greedily concocted. His daughter did not wish to marry, yet he wished to acquire more wealth. She thus flees.

Chapter 58

Meanwhile, Calvacanti escapes from Paris in a coach, and stays overnight in a hotel. Brigadiers show up the following morning, and despite Calvacanti's maneuvering, he is apprehended. As he escapes down through a chimney he ends up in the very same room that Eugenie and Louise are staying in. Louise thus rings a bell summoning the brigadiers. He is led out of the room, but not before revealing the identity of the two girls.

Chapter 59

Valentine is still ill. One night she receives a visitor who is not Maximilien.

It is the Count of Monte Cristo. He tells Valentine that he has been watching her room every night from the house he bought next door. Someone has been poisoning her medicine every night while she has been delirious. Before she drinks the medicine, he substitutes the poison with his concoctions. He tells her to pretend to be asleep and she will see the responsible individual at work. Valentine does as he says. She sees Madame de Villefort pour poison into her drink. The Count of Monte Cristo returns and Valentine is in shock. The Count tells Valentine that Madame de Villefort is poisoning Valentine so Eduoard will receive Valentine's fortune. Valentine falls asleep, "an angel lying at the feet of the Lord."

Analysis:

This chapter furthers the God-like role of Monte Cristo. As the Abbe Busoni he takes it upon himself to save Valentine. He acts as her divine protector. The metaphor of "an angel lying at the feet of the Lord" is a powerful one. Valentine is portrayed as noble and good despite her family's corruption and Monte Cristo is portrayed as the hand of God.

Chapter 60

Madame de Villefort enters Valentine's room a few hours later to see the results of her potion. She finds Valentine dead. Her lips are pale, and her fingers are blue, and she does not hear a heartbeat. A nurse enters soon afterwards and alerts the household. Maximilien also stops by and hears the terrible news. He picks up Noirtier's wheelchair and brings it into Valentine's room, so that he too can see what has happened. Noirtier asks Maximilien to leave with the doctor. Villefort demands silence from the two who are departing. He does not wish for the two to spread the horrible secret that his daughter was poisoned to death. He wishes to have vengeance on the murderer himself. Villefort also asks Maximilien to fetch the Italian priest (Busoni) who lives next door. Abbe Busoni is already on his way, however. Busoni goes into Valentine's room, and bolts the door, locking himself, Noirtier and Valentine's motionless corpse inside the room.

Analysis:

The Abbe Busoni has given Valentine a potion to appear dead, yet she is not. The Abbe wishes to test Maximilien's love. He also wishes to deceive Monsieur de Villefort into thinking his daughter is dead. This will contribute to his suffering and downfall.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

Chapter 61

Monte Cristo visits Danglars to receive a credit of five million francs. Danglars must give him the banknotes, for he has bragged of his immense fortune. Monte Cristo takes the banknotes immediately to the bank depleting Danglars funds so that he cannot hold his word to other banknotes. Danglars decides to go to Italy, to retrieve his money from Monte Cristo's firm. He leaves Paris and his wife.

Analysis

Monte Cristo uses his credit to extract a vast sum of five million francs from Danglars' bank account. Because Danglars has such greed, and because Monte Cristo's father died of poverty, Monte Cristo's revenge against the banker is to destroy his financial resources. He knows that this bankruptcy will then destroy the man.

Chapter 62

Maximilien is bowed over Valentine's grave. The Count spies on him and follows him home. He realizes that Maximilien is about to commit suicide. He coerces Maximilien to put off such a deed. He uses two reasonings. One, that he was the man who had saved his father from dishonor and suicide. Two, he promises that in one month Maximilien shall be happier and if not, then Count will accept Maximilien suicide. Maximilien agrees

Analysis:

In this chapter Monte Cristo decides to reveal his true identity to Maximilien Morrel because he needs to save Maximilien's life. He had vowed never to reveal his true identity to anyone. Monte Cristo has of course saved Valentine and wishes to test Maximilien's love for her by making him wait a month before their reunion. This wait symbolizes the Count's philosophy that one cannot appreciate bliss until one has experienced despair.

Chapter 63

Madame Danglars and Debray meet for a secret rendezvous. Madame Danglars shows Debray a farewell letter from her husband. She is hoping for Debray to allay her fears about their relationship. He merely divides their earnings fifty-fifty and advises her to travel.

Albert and the Countess de Morcerf also are staying in the hotel where the secret rendezvous. The two parties recognize one another. Albert reveals his plans to seek his own fame and fortune in the military.

Analysis:

It is apparent that Debray was Madame Danglars' lover merely for her husband's fortune. Now that this fortune has disappeared he will no longer be her lover. Madame Danglars is hoping for a more serious affair now that she is single, however, he recommends she travel instead.

The Countess de Morcerf also realizes that she cannot keep her son by her to comfort her pain. She will end her life in prayer in a convent while he ventures out into the world to make his own fortune. The Countess is thus the true sufferer in the novel. She has little to live for. Monte Cristo, on the other and, has accomplished his revenge, and now can look forward to his new love Haydee.

Chapter 64

Andrea Calvacanti (Benedetto) is now back in prison. Monte Cristo's servant, Bertuccio, comes to visit. Bertuccio is interrupted by the guard, however, he plans to return the following day to tell Benedetto who his father is.

Analysis:

Bertuccio will tell Benedetto that his father is Monsieur de Villefort. This story is necessary to ruin Villefort. Villefort is the public prosecutor for Calvacanti's trial. At the trial Villefort's utter disrespect for life shall be revealed when Benedetto tells the courtroom how he was buried alive as a newborn baby.

Chapter 65

Villefort works tirelessly at Calvacanti's case. It is a distraction from the misery that exists in his household. Villefort confronts his wife in this chapter. He insists that she commits suicide or else he will arrest her as a murderer.

Analysis:

Villefort's efforts at preparing Calvacanti's case will of course be in vain. He will be ruined at this trial. It is ironic that Villefort, himself guilty of the attempted murder of his newborn baby, insists that his wife commit suicide for the murder of Valentine. She is merely a reflection of his own disrespect for life.

Chapter 66

At the trial, Andrea immediately confesses to his thievery and the murder of Caderousse. When he is asked to say his name, he reveals that his father is Monsieur de Villefort. The crowd goes wild, Madame Danglars faints, and de Villefort himself chokes and realizes that he is the victim of God's vengeance. The Court adjourns.

Analysis:

Andrea plays out his role and reveals Villefort's crime to the public. Villefort does not even try to defend himself for he realizes that God (Monte Cristo) has struck him down. This is another reference to Monte Cristo's role as divine justice. Villefort's defeat is another victory for Monte Cristo.

Chapter 67

Villefort returns home in a frenzy hoping that his wife has not yet committed suicide. His hopes are in vain, for she dies just as he enters her room. She also has murdered their son for a mother does not perish without her son, she says. The Abbe Busoni is visiting Noirtier at this moment and finally reveals his true identity to Villefort. Villefort then goes crazy. Monte Cristo questions his deeds, seeing that perhaps with the death of Edouard, he went too far.

Analysis:

Monte Cristo's vengeance on Villefort is complete. Though he does not kill Villefort, the man is ruined. It is only for a brief time that Monte Cristo believes that he may have gone too far with his revenge. Fundamentally he believes that he is justified to play the part of divine justice.

Chapter 68

Monte Cristo brings Maximilien to Marseilles. Maximilien visits his father's grave. Monte Cristo visits his father's old home where he finds Mercedes. The two meet for what is in all probability the last time. She will accept his wealth only at her son's permission. Her son has of course gone to the military. Monte Cristo agrees with his endeavors and believes his to be of a noble heart. Mercedes watches a boat carry her son away, however, she rocks back and forth whispering "Edmond, Edmond."

Analysis:

Monte Cristo bids farewell to Mercedes, one of his last duties before he sails away. The two are perhaps no longer in love, yet the memory of what they had as youths is still a strong binding emotion. This is evident by Mercedes' whispers, "Edmond, Edmond." Her reason for living is now the love for her son, yet she cannot help thinking of the Dantes she loved as a young girl. She now is losing both of them, as is symbolized by her son's ship that leaves the Marseilles harbor. Dantes also still trembles at the thought and sight of Mercedes. Dantes must reunite Maximilien with Valentine so that they can enjoy the love he never was able to. In this chapter, loose ends are being tied up. The climax of Monte Cristo's revenge has passed and he has succeeded.

Chapter 69

The Count returns to the site of his imprisonment, the Chateau D'If. It is now a tourist attraction. The Count remembers vividly being brought to the prison. He is also brought to his old cell, and is recounted the story of his own escape by the prison guide. Monte Cristo is also given the Abbe Faria's treatise that the Abbe had written in prison.

Monte Cristo leaves Marseilles for Italy. Maximilien shall wait for him in Marseilles. Monte Cristo arranges to meet Maximilen on the Isle of Monte Cristo on the fifth of October.

Analysis:

The Count must combat a final emotion. This emotion is guilt. He doubts his role as divine justice because an innocent boy, Edouard, fell as its victim unintentionally. The Count makes a voyage to the Chateau D'If, now a tourist attraction to remind himself of his suffering. When he is told that he was known as prisoner Number 34, he thinks of Villefort. Villefort must have been haunted by that number in his sleep. Monte Cristo consequently feels no pity for the men who incarcerated him. He thus sets off for Italy to finish Danglar's ruin.

Chapter 70

When Danglars visits Monte Cristo's firm, Thomson and French, the firm has already been notified of his arrival. Danglars is allowed to retrieve his five million francs; however, Monte Cristo's Italian bandits kidnap him. Danglars had heard the story of Albert's kidnapping, thus Danglars is not overly worried. He is confident that he will be able to extricate himself from his situation

Analysis:

Monte Cristo's trap for Danglars is successful. Danglars is deceived into hoping that he will be successful again because he regains his five million francs. However, this shall prove to not be true. The Italian bandits, who are forever indebted to Monte Cristo, hold Danglars a hostage and will thus ruin his fortune.

Chapter 71

Danglars wakes up from his first night of captivity. He thinks Peppino the bandit is joking when he asks for food and is told that each item shall cost him a hundred thousand francs. Danglars is terribly hungry, thus he pays the price demanded for a chicken

Analysis:

Danglars believes that Peppino is joking when he must pay a hundred thousand francs for a food item. For Monte Cristo, however, this is a type of ironic joke. As a result of Danglars, Dantes' father had died of poverty and hunger. Thus, Monte Cristo punishes Danglars by ruining him financially and by starving him.

Chapter 72

Danglars continues to be charged for his food by the bandits. He tries to save the food, but realizes that he is also thirsty. The bandits charge him for drinks also. Finally he pays one million francs for a sumptuous dinner. After 12 days and thoughts of death he has fifty thousand francs left. He is brought before Vampa who asks him if he is truly suffering. Danglars admits that there have been others who have suffered but they were martyrs. A deep dark voice (Monte Cristo) asks him if he finally repents. He reveals that he is Edmond Dantes. Danglars falls to the floor. His life is spared, yet in the brief twelve days of his captivity he has aged considerably. His hair has become completely white.

Analysis:

This chapter completes Monte Cristo's revenge. Danglars is reduced to nothing as is symbolized by physical changes that occur. He is allowed to live, but only because he will live in misery. Monte Cristo emphasizes his triumph over Danglars by serving him the most expensive wines and fruits right before thrusting him onto the road into abject poverty.

Chapter 73

The final episode of the adventure takes place on the Isle of Monte Cristo. Maximilien is brought to a cavern where Monte Cristo has prepared a table with flowers and perfumes. Maximilien is ready to die. He sheds a tear for he must leave the Count. The Count gives Maximilien a substance that Maximilien believes to be a death potion. Monte Cristo merely gives him a potion to make Maximilien feel heavy. At this moment Valentine rushes forth to kiss Maximilien. The lovers are reunited at last, fully deserving one another. Monte Cristo leaves them his Champs Elysees residence as well as his house in Normandy. He says that it is Dantes' present to the son of M. Morrel. In this final chapter Haydee also refuses to leave Monte Cristo. They thus sail off into the horizon to elope.

Analysis:

Monte Cristo's final act of divine justice is completed in this chapter. He inflicted ultimate despair upon Maximilien, thus Maximilien is now deserving of ultimate bliss. Monte Cristo is also given a second chance at happiness with Haydee. It is significant that this chapter ends on the Isle of Monte Cristo. It symbolizes and marks the end of the Count's journey of vengeance. The journey had begun here when Dantes had dug up the treasure of Monte Cristo. The journey is now over, and Monte Cristo disappears into the horizon.

The book has been divided based on a 73 chapter edition; this may differ from other editions.

• Biography of Alexandre Dumas
• About The Count of Monte Cristo
• Character List
• Short Summary
• Full Summary and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-10
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 11-20
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 21-30
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 31-40
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 41-50
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 51-60
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 61-73
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