1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

2. About the Author Lived July 28, 1802 – December 5, 1870
His works have been translated into nearly 100 languages, and he is one of the most widely read French authors
Many of his historical of high adventure were originally published as serials, meaning they published one chapter at a time as a series
Auguste Maquet was a ghostwriter for him, meaning he helped write or come up with ideas for his novels

3. Historical Background
In the novel, Dumas tells of the 1815 return of Napoleon I (Napoleon Bonaparte):
After seizing power in France, he crowned himself emperor in 1804
He successfully waged war against European countries, until there was a disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812

4. Historical Background
Two years after unsuccessfully invading Russia, Napoleon abdicated, or gave up, the throne
He was exiled (kicked out) to the island of Elba (this will sound familiar when we read)
In 1815, he briefly returned to power (until he was again exiled to another island called Saint Helena)

5. About the Novel
The novel begins just before the Hundred Days period when Napoleon returned in 1815
Primarily takes place through the reign of Louis-Phillipe of France
The historical setting is a fundamental element of this adventure story
Takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean sea from

6. About the Novel Published in 1844
One of Dumas’ most popular works, though he also wrote The Three Musketeers
This novel is considered a literary classic today, and is read globally
Originally published as Le Comte de Monte-Cristo in French

7. About the Novel Cont’d
Narrator: anonymous (not a character in the novel)
Point of view: third person limited (focuses primarily on outward action and behavior, rather than thoughts)
Tone: detached
Tense: present

8. Thematic Ideas Hope Romance Justice Loyalty Vengeance Betrayal Mercy
Selfishness
Forgiveness
Happiness (relative vs. actual)
Love vs. alienation

9. Motifs
Names: the constant name changing signifies deeper changes within the characters themselves
Suicide: contemplated or carried out; portrayed as honorable and a reasonable response to any devastating situation (like much Romantic literature, think Romeo and Juliet, etc.)
Politics: especially helps show “good vs bad” characters

10. Symbols The sea: enables a symbolic “baptism,” or “rebirth”
The red silk purse: used in attempts to save lives; physical symbol of the connection between good deeds and rewards
The elixir: Dantes believes it is more powerful than it actually is, which reflects the attitude he has about himself as well

11. Synopsis
This enduringly popular tale of love and vengeance in the post-Napoleanic era follows Edmond Dantes as he prepares to captain his own ship and marry his beloved Mercedes.
But on his wedding day, he is betrayed by spiteful enemies and arrested on trumped-up charges.
Taken from Penguin Abridged Edition of The Count of Monte Cristo, 2001

12. Synopsis Cont’d
Condemned to lifelong imprisonment, he befriends Abbe Faria, a priest and fellow inmate with an escape plan.
When Abbe Faria dies, Edmond escapes alone.
Free at last, and incredibly wealthy, Edmond enters society posing as the brooding and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo to reclaim his lost love and exact a terrible vengeance from his accusers.
Taken from Penguin Abridged Edition of The Count of Monte Cristo, 2001

13. Protagonist
Edmond Dantes: an intelligent, honest, and loving man who turns bitter and vengeful after he is framed for a crime he does not commit
Aliases: The Count of Monte Cristo, Lord Wilmore, Abbe Busoni, Sinbad the Sailor

14. Protagonist Cont’d
The Count of Monte Cristo: the identity Dantes assumes when he emerges from prison and inherits his fortune; usually associated with coldness and bitterness based on vengeance
Lord Wilmore: the identity of an eccentric English nobleman Dantes assumes when committing random acts of kindness

15. Protagonist Cont’d
Abbe Busoni: the identity of an Italian priest; helps Dantes gain the trust of the people whom he wants to manipulate because the name connotes religious authority
Sinbad the Sailor: the identity Dantes uses as his signature for his “anonymous” gift to Morrel; the persona Dantes adopts during his time in Italy
Sinbad is a fictional hero that would have been a well-known name (like Harry Potter today)

16. Other Characters
Mercedes: Dantes’ beautiful and good fiancee; though she marries another man (Fernand Mondego) while Dantes is in prison, she never stops loving him; Dantes both punishes and rewards her
Abbe Faria: a priest and brilliant thinker whom Dantes meets in prison; becomes Dantes’ intellectual “father” (English translation from Latin “abbe”); leaves his fortune to Dantes

17. Other Characters Cont’d
As we read, complete your character chart you have been given; identify any stand-out characteristics
Be sure to keep track of other characters who might have aliases besides Dantes

18. Important Terminology
The novel is set in France, so it is important for you to be familiar with French terminology and abbreviations
M. – Monsieur = Mister
Mme. – Madame = Mrs. (married)
Mlle. – Mademoiselle = Miss (young and/or not married)

19. Hierarchy
Duc: possessor of a duchy and recognition as duke by the king (HIGHEST RANK)
Prince: possessor of a lordship styled a principality (not actually a prince)
Marquis: possessor of a marquessate, but often assumed by a noble family as a title of courtesy
Comte: possessor of a county (aka: Count)
Vicomte: possessor of a viscounty
Baron: possessor of a barony (LOWEST RANK)