The Count of Monte Cristo

(1844-45)

This is a dangerously fabulous read. Telling others that this novel is your favourite can reveal a malevolent side to your personality. Genius plot writer, Alexander Dumas, constructed a story so evil, so clever, and so violent that future reads will just be boring. The sum of the book can be understood in three simple words..."Pede poena claudo", or "retribution comes limping." To seek justice for the three men who so selfishly stole 14 years of his life, Edmund Dantes uses deception to emotionally and financially destroy his foes. The Count of Monte Cristo operates very much like the Russian mafia; if a wrongful act is committed, the wrong-doer's entire family and fortune is extinguished before his or her very eyes.

When this novel appeared for the first time between 1844 and 1846, it was instantly a huge success. The story speaks to the reader from the first page to the last and, although it consists of about 1600 pages, it never bores. A young ignorant sailor, Edmond Dantès, is sucked into the political games of the time just before the Hundred Days in the year 1815 that would bring back Napoleon. In prison, he discovers the truth and decides to take revenge on them. When he then finally discovers the treasure, he starts to prepare for the revenge he longed for all those years. The revenge is compelling, smart, admirably bad. Ironically the bad guys of 14 years before destroy their own lives because of the same characteristics they used to put Edmond in prison. In this book Dumas deals with very real feelings of people, addressing the treacherous circumstances people had to live in in France at the time of the revolution, but asks a very fundamental question as to justness. The book, ends on a high spiritual note.--Submitted by kiki1982

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Recent Forum Posts on The Count of Monte Cristo

Help with The Count of Monte Cristo

Hi so I'm working on a study guide for English and for the like of me I cannot figure out the answer to this questions. Please please help, ill answer any of your threads. The question is this: What is the relationship between Monsieur de saint meran and valentine? Why doesn't he share the same family relationship with eugenie danglars?

Posted By Musicloverfor at Sun 30 Sep 2012, 6:43 PM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 2 Replies

Which Dumas book to read next?

I've read the count of monte cristo (The best book ever written I think) but I then read the three musketeers and was very disappointed as I felt it didn't compare to the count. Does anyone have any other favorites of his?

Posted By DEFEATER at Fri 8 Apr 2011, 10:00 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 3 Replies

Question on chapter 33

Hi there, another question on Count of Montecristo. There's a passage I cannot figure out. In the Chapter 33 (Roman Bandits) at the end of the story of Luigi Vampa he met Simbad the Sailor (we know who he is). Then Dumas wrote: "'What is your name?' inquired the traveller.--'Luigi Vampa,' replied the shepherd, with the same air as he would have replied, Alexander, King of Macedon.--'And yours?'--'I,' said the traveller, 'am called Sinbad the Sailor.'" Franz d'Epinay started with surprise. "Sinbad the Sailor." he said. "Yes," replied the narrator; "that was the name which the traveller gave to Vampa as his own." "Well, and what may you have to say against this name?" inquired Albert; "it is a very pretty name, and the adventures of the gentleman of that name amused me very much in my youth, I must confess."--Franz said no more. The name of Sinbad the Sailor, as may well be supposed, awakened in him a world of recollections, as had the name of the Count of Monte Cristo on the previous evening" But reading back on this passage I found no evidence that Franz heard the name "Count of Monte Cristo" before. So how is it possible he reffer to the previous evening? Is this an error from Dumas?

Posted By Emanuele at Wed 16 Dec 2009, 9:38 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 1 Reply

Count of Monte Cristo Music

Hey guys, First of I would like to say The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas is my favorite novel by far (got 3 copies/read multiple times). After reading the book and being a bit disappointed by the movie I picked up my guitar and made a song that was inspired during some parts of the novel. Since I see that you guys are enthusiasts of the novel as I am. I was hoping to get some input on what you think of the song. Any critique/advice/or comment is welcome. Thanks. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZa9CzII5k0

Posted By SMgitara at Thu 5 Nov 2009, 12:40 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 9 Replies

Edmond Dantes' concept of justice

Hi guys, I need some help. Right now, I am analyzing about Edmond Dantes' changing concept of justice. Can you tell me another concept of justice used by Edmond Dantes aside from Lex Talionis (Eye for an eye.......)??? I got a sense that Edmond's last concept of justice is based on Matthew 5 (Turning the other cheek....). The idea that I have in mind is that Edmond's early concept is based on revenge while the latter concept is based on love. It's mostly like a change from the old testament to the new testament. What do you think about it???:nod: Thx before:yawnb:

Posted By RoronoaZoro at Mon 14 Sep 2009, 10:00 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 35 Replies

Monte Cristo tattoo

I have been trying to think of a suitable tattoo inspired by this book, any suggestions? Cristo's crest has been my first choice but I have not been able to find any visual representations of it. Is anyone aware of any illustrations of it?

Posted By soothsayer at Wed 26 Aug 2009, 12:36 PM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 2 Replies

Monte Cristo Mood and Tone

I am having a little trouble identifying the mood and tone of the book since it is so volatile, could anyone please help me out. Thank you.

Posted By Zildjion at Sun 5 Oct 2008, 11:35 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 2 Replies

PLease get back to me

Hey i've seen both versions of the movie, and i was thinking about reading the book. MY problem though is that i don't like to read a book unless it is an awesome or if the main people in the story don't end up together so my question is it good? And do they end up together or not?

Posted By Heavenly-angel- at Mon 29 Sep 2008, 1:33 AM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 1 Reply

help with Count of Monte Cristo

im doing a project on how in the count of monte cristo everything has a consequence. I was wondering if anyone could help me with a good example of this from the book I have a couple but im not sure if they are good enough. :)

Posted By xlilcurlyqx at Mon 17 Mar 2008, 4:59 PM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 10 Replies

if there was another movie based on the book, what actors would you pick?

first of all, when I say another movie, I mean to say - a really good movie that sticks to the plot. perhaps they would have to make 3 films, just like The Lord of the Rings, if they want to make a good movie. Now, as for the cast: Hugh Jackman as Monte Cristo (I know he's too old, but maybe they could hire a younger actor for the part before Edmond is imprisoned) Mercedes - Penelope Cruise Danglar (if this is how it's spelled) - Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge) Albert - Josh Charles (Dead Poet's Society) now you, give me your ideas! :D

Posted By cherrytheone at Sun 27 Jan 2008, 2:37 PM in The Count of Monte Cristo || 10 Replies

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The Count of Monte Cristo

(1844-45)

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