The Count of Monte Cristo - Chapters 36 - 41

[Peg]

In chapter 36, I was annoyed at how Albert treated Pastrini again. I noticed it in previous chapters. Albert seems so bossy, does not show any appreciation for all Pastrini does for them. For example, “Agreed," returned Albert; "but remember, Signor Pastrini, that both my friend and myself attach the greatest importance to having to-morrow the costumes we have asked for."

Also, I was surprised when the author alluded to Franz not liking the Count of MC, "Truth compelled Franz, in spite of the dislike he seemed to have taken to the count, ..." I had not noticed this at all.

[Peg]

I am still on the beginning of chapter 37. I need to finish this week’s by Sunday.

[Ellen]

I'm still ahead.

[Peg]

I am embarrassed to say that all during the chapters about Franz and Albert, I did not remember that Albert’s name, Morcerf, had been mentioned before during the abbe’s (Dantes) conversation with Caderousse. Once I read the following in chapter 41, I searched for Morcerf;

“Monte Cristo, in taking the seat Morcerf offered him, placed himself in such a manner as to remain concealed in the shadow of the large velvet curtains, and read on the careworn and livid features of the count a whole history of secret griefs written in each wrinkle time had planted there.”

Wow, Fernand enters the room as the Count of Morcerf! Now, thinking back on my dislike of Albert’s attitude toward others that he thought were his inferior, I see why—he probably got this from his father.

[Ellen]

I found the part about Albert getting rescued laugh-out-loud funny. I think it was meant to show us what a dope he is. But I also found his dopiness endearing. I'm not sure if Dumas meant that or not.

[Cindy]

I'm a little surprised that he is willing to reveal himself to his enemies so soon. He hasn't had any real revenge yet, and he has already met with Caderousse and now Fernand and Mercedes. I know the prison considered him as having died when they performed the burial at sea, but he is still an escaped prisoner. It seems that if a high-ranking official like Fernand denounced him as Dantes, the escaped convict, that it would be taken seriously.

Mercedes does react to his presence strongly, but she is still not sure it is him. In fact, he has muddied the waters by creating a false timeline for Albert so that his supposed age makes it impossible for him to be Dantes. One thing is for sure--the Count's poker face kind of goes out the window when he meets someone he knows!

I'm very curious to see what happens between the Count and Mercedes. Does he still love her and will eventually forgive her, or is his strongest hatred reserved for her, the person whose defection hurt him the most? We shall see!

[Peg]

Cindy, no one except maybe Mercedes recognizes the Count as Dantes, though. So he isn’t really revealing himself, is he?

[Cindy]

Peg wrote: "Cindy, no one except maybe Mercedes recognizes the Count as Dantes, though. So he isn’t really revealing himself, is he?"

But how does he know they won't recognize him? He hasn't had plastic surgery to change his face. Admittedly, he's aged somewhat, but he still apparently looks pretty young since he's passing for 35. It's not like he's completely changed by wrinkles and white hair. It's been years since they've seen him, but it still seems like he's taking a chance, just hoping that they don't recognize him. Luckily for him, it worked.

[Peg]

I am guessing he figures that he is so wealthy and acts so aristocratic and knowledgeable that he thinks they will not see the young 18 year old that he was.

But maybe it requires a willing suspension of our disbelief like in some of Shakespeare's plays.