The Count of Monte Cristo The Novel and its Historical Influences

Historical Context French Revolution – 1789 French Revolution – 1789 Result of such acts as Result of such acts as France becoming a republic (1792) France becoming a republic (1792) King Louis XVI beheaded (1793) King Louis XVI beheaded (1793) Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power Seizes control of France in 1799 Seizes control of France in 1799 Declares himself emperor in 1804 Declares himself emperor in 1804 Lives in exile on Elba (1814) Lives in exile on Elba (1814) Escapes exile in 1815, war breaks out, is defeated, exiled to St. Helena Escapes exile in 1815, war breaks out, is defeated, exiled to St. Helena Napoleon dies six years later Napoleon dies six years later Any supporters, or Bonapartists, were now considered traitors. Any supporters, or Bonapartists, were now considered traitors.

Napoleon Bonaparte

How History Impacts the Novel Alexandre Dumas, author, felt effects of Napoleon’s reign. Alexandre Dumas, author, felt effects of Napoleon’s reign. His father was a General in Napoleon’s army, fell out of favor, was poisoned, imprisoned, and died young leaving the Dumas family in poverty. His father was a General in Napoleon’s army, fell out of favor, was poisoned, imprisoned, and died young leaving the Dumas family in poverty. Heard stories of father’s wild adventures and triumphs spawning imagination and love for adventure and heroes. Heard stories of father’s wild adventures and triumphs spawning imagination and love for adventure and heroes.

Other Personal Facts of Dumas Had a variety of jobs associated with plays and politics Had a variety of jobs associated with plays and politics Had numerous affairs and 2 illegitimate children Had numerous affairs and 2 illegitimate children Lived extravagant lifestyle (but was always in financial trouble) Lived extravagant lifestyle (but was always in financial trouble) Built a house, Monte Cristo, which left him penniless Built a house, Monte Cristo, which left him penniless

The novel itself Written in 1844, published in 18 fragments from Written in 1844, published in 18 fragments from Written in serial form with cliff-hanger endings Written in serial form with cliff-hanger endings Written during the Age of Romanticism Written during the Age of Romanticism People rejected science and reason People rejected science and reason Focused more on nature, emotion, individual experience (ideas considered “rebellious”) Focused more on nature, emotion, individual experience (ideas considered “rebellious”)

History’s Impact on the Novel Considered historical fiction Considered historical fiction Uses historical facts as a canvas on which to place fictional characters and plot Uses historical facts as a canvas on which to place fictional characters and plot Dumas’ goal was to teach French people their historical heritage Dumas’ goal was to teach French people their historical heritage Novel discusses European societal customs as they were during that time and earlier Novel discusses European societal customs as they were during that time and earlier Novel begins in 1815 Novel begins in 1815 Effects of Napoleon’s reign play a role in the plot Effects of Napoleon’s reign play a role in the plot