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The Count of Monte Cristo: July Reading, Chapters 39-83 (Unabridged); Chapters 30-53 (Abridged)
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Alison, the guru of grace
(last edited Jul 01, 2008 12:02PM)
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Jul 01, 2008 11:57AM
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Oh I love this story so much. :) One really interesting thing that I noticed as I was skimming through the book to remember the start of this section is when the Dumas makes a specific note about the effect of the Count making physical contact with Albert in the form of the handshake (in Italy, Chapter 36). I think it's neat the way that the Count is almost painted like a god during this section of the book, but Dumas brings about small signs to bring his humanity to the forefront. It's like the Count is so awesome and godlike with his connections, power, and money. But there are the small things: like his reaction to Albert, his caring for Haydee, and other signs later in the book that seem to me to be placed in the book to remind us that there is actually a person behind the Count. Something small that I think is neat. :)
I liked the description of Carnival during which the Count engineered his "introduction" to Albert, and subsequent rescue. In fact the "mistaken identity" (so to speak) seemed to me the kind of thing likely to happen out here in San Francisco (trying not to give too much away here.)T
Have you reached Chapter 72, Bread and Salt, in Paris when the Count refuses to eat anything under the roof of de Morcerf, much to the anguish of Albert's mother? What do you think, does she at this point know or suspect who the Count might be, or does he just make her uneasy?
I think she suspects but she's not sure. And I think the Count enjoys tormenting her this way. It's a great way to drive a person insane, making them think they're seeing ghosts.
i agree tho it's been awhile since i read that chapter. i remember there is a particular point in the book where i KNEW that mercedes KNEW who the Count was---but I cannot recall when this was.I was toying with an unabridged (English) copy today... may have to pick it up. It seems like such a waste, but it will be a full time project to read it unabridged in french--just the first chapter is insane, with all those nautical terms. Whoever learns how to say "reef the mainsail" or whatever, in french????
;)
T
POSSIBLE SPOILER Oddly enough, the chapter is called "Mercedes." I'm not sure which chapter it is as, I've been laid up for a week after a camping trip, read ahead and finished the book. I'm really glad I read it and I'm passing it on the my husband. My favorite moment in the book was the encounter between Danglers and his daughter, Eugenie, on the subject of marriage.
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I'm confused. If we're talking about when Mercedes first realizes who the Count is, I thought that was Chapter 42 (unabridged): The Presentation. The Count has agreed to have breakfast with Albert at his home. Albert is presenting The Count to his parents. Mercedes is out of the room. The Count begins talking to Albert & his father. Mercedes, who has been listening outside the door, arrives looking pale and faint. It is never directly stated, but I felt that she recognized "The Count" from his voice. Later, she begins to question Albert about the Count, and I gathered that she knew exactly who he was instantly. Maybe you all are discussing something different.
SPOILER Alison - I don't think that, in "The Presentation" and in "Bread and Salt," that Dumas makes clear that Mercedes has recognized Dantes, although it's obvious that she's disturbed by him. But then when she comes to the Count in "Mercedes," it's obvious she knows him and she tells him that she recognized his voice. So then, when the reader looks back, it's kind of a "duh" moment.
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***LITTLE SPOILERS and ONE BIG ONE***I just finished the abridged version of the book. There is a reference near the end of why the Count refused to take the food at Mercedes' home. It is an Arab custom not to take food from the home of an enemy, because it may be poisoned. As you know, poison is also major subtheme throughout the second half of the novel in regard to one of the families, and recall earlier in the book, the magic elixir that the Abbe tells Dantes about while they are in prison.
I also agree with Deborah in regard to when Mercedes recognized Dantes. The reader doesn't know for sure during the first time that they meet, but she does state later that he looked familiar to her and that she had recognized his voice.
I didn't like that Dantes didn't get together with Mercedes in the end. I felt that it was unfair of him to leave her alone because she failed to wait for him. He called her "faithless", but come one - how long was woman supposed to wait for him? I'm also bothered by Dantes hooking up with Haydee instead. She was like a daughter to him, and he like a father to her, and know they are going to be together as a couple? No, I didn't like that at all.
Did anyone else think of Romeo and Juliet when reading about Valentine and Morel? I felt that there were some parallels there. I liked that part of the story very much.
SPOILERS!!!!ok the Count and Haydee is a little odd.
But I think it would be just as odd for the Count to get together with Mercedes. After all those years of plotting vengeance? I just can't see it. Although it wasn't Mercedes' fault, and of course she shouldn't be expected to wait forever (particularly since as i recall she was told Edmond died in the Chateau D'If) nevertheless in my opinion it would take a saint to be able to get back together with her.
Just a guy's perspective. You know how shallow and superficail we are!
;)
T
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SPOILERS!The Count and Haydee was the one thing in the book that struck me as off. I know my reasoning is post-feminist, but you just don't go from "slave" or even surrogate "daughter" to lover in a healthy relationship. Mercedes character is tragic - the main symbol that Dantes revenge was in no way "clean." It's difficult to mourn Mdme. Villefort or even the child, Edward (despicable little toad that he was)as innocent victims. And Valentine was saved, in the end, through the agency of Morrel's love, from being "collateral damage." Mercedes suffered the most, perhaps more than Dantes. Given her status, after Dantes supposed death, as a single woman with no family or prospects, her only option was Fernand. To call her "faithless" under the circumstantces was harsh, to say the least. But I like to believe that her son went on to make a name and (honorable) career for himself in the military, came home, married, and that Mercedes spent her later years as a beloved matriarch.
I like the ending that you picture for Mercedes, Deborah - it gives me some solace.I just wrote up my review of the book. I wanted to give it 3 1/2 stars, but couldn't so rounded up. I then went back and moved it down to 3 stars. I basically laid out everything that I didn't like about the book.
My apologies to the group. I know that this book is dear to many, and I have no issues with that, but the more I think about the book, the more disappointed I become, because I just wasn't feeling it. Well, at least I enjoyed the latest movie version :)
those of you who weren't happy with the Count/Haydee/Mercedes thing might enjoy the revised ending in the Depardieu film. It's true to the book in almost everything but those details.I think I prefer Mercedes fate as is though, because, as Deb says, it's tragic, and lends some realism to the story. Edmund by the end of the book believes he is acting as a instrument of God in his vengeance, and I think Mercedes is a casualty of that line of thinking. As much as I love the Count, I think prison made him more that a little crazy.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!Arctic - I think definitely that, in prison (and in finding out about his betrayal by poeple he had never wronged) something died in Dantes. I loved the way Dumas drew the scenes where Dantes realizes that his revenge is not pure. That innocent people suffered (even people he loved, like Mercedes and Morrel) by his actions.
What do people think of Eugenie, Danglers' daughter? The more I think about her, the more I like her character. My favorite quote in the book is from her confrontation with her father, "I have been beloved by no one -- so much the worse; that has naturally led me to love no one -- so much the better: now you have my profession of faith."
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We haven't really touched on themes yet. This book (I've half way through by the way--page 750!--I can't believe there's that much more story to go) is SO plot and character driven. All of these characters are so inter-connected. It's like a big soap opera.
Anyway...I got to this quote...
Chapter 49, unabridged..."I wish to be Providence myself, for I feel that the most beautiful, noblest, most sublime thing in the world, is to recompense and punish."
Interesting that he says "noblest." I guess we can assume that the Count is a bit obsessed with carrying out justice to the ones who wronged him and stole his happiness...even to the point of taking on the role of Providence.
So what does everyone think (up to this point--chapters 53/83), about the Count's ideas of justice and revenge? Is it his place to carry it out? What purpose will it serve when and if it's done?
In a way, the Count is like Earl from "My Name is Earl" in reverse. He sees himself as the tool of Providence (or karma), but instead of making amends to those he has harmed (since he was pretty much blameless), he is visiting "justice" on those who wronged him. This is shaky moral ground, especially for me as a Christian. I'm not sure where it starts (just took the book back to the library) but Dantes isn't quite as certain in his role as Providence as the book progresses. I think that, in prison, when he was given hope of escape along with proof of betrayal, he needed something to believe in, to pin his life to. Vengeance was the first, and admittedly easiest, path to present itself, even more so in light of the fact that he had the means.
seeing oneself as a tool of Providence is a good rationale for any kind of vengeance--and I think that's what this book is about, obviously, vengeance.Although knowing Dumas he might have just used it as an excuse to tell a riveting story!
Sure would be interesting to share a meal with that guy! What a "raconteur" as we say in french!
;)
T
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Well, I don't know how it ends...but I have to say I think the Count's elaborate plans and life's mission to deliver justice are unhealthy and obsessive. I think time/money/energy could have been spent on something more worthwhile (Wasn't the Abbe going to give the treasure of Monte Cristo to the poor?) But, of course, that wouldn't have made for much of a revenge story, would've it?
I watched about 3/4 of The Count of Monte Cristo (1934) with Robert Donat last night. I thought the black and white leant itself nicely to the telling of this classic story. Donat's sweet nature worked well for the (initially) naive and charming Edmund. I recommend this version to anyone who's read the book. Of course, at 2 hrs, there's MAJOR streamlining of the plot and characters (probably like 5% of the story is told)...but it's still fun to watch. The scenes at the Chateau d' If are fun and much remiscent of The Shawshank Redemption. Especially cool are the Abbe's inventions and wall drawings.
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I think it's important to bring out (which kind of changes my previous ideas about the Count) that the Count, in his schemes for revenge, never stupes to the level of his enemies (obtaining revenge through immoral acts). Instead, he allows their own faults, crimes, and weaknesses to lead to their own destruction. So rather than being a run-of-the-mill villain, he truly is more of a symbol of Justice. Reminds me of the superheros of the Justice League.
OK I skimmed a lot because I'm only through Chap. 50 unabridged, but I have a question. Perhaps a SPOILER question.....
I'm very confused about Bertuccio's story in the garden at Auteuil -- I thought he was confessing to having murdered Villefort, and then we turn around and the Count is saving Villefort's wife and kid and meeting with him? Who was it that was killed?
OK I am totally with you Rebecca and I am also confused. I am on the same chapter as you! Maybe we just haven't read far enough... but I am also confused about Villefort? spoiler:
Is he possibly Villefort's son who murdered his step mom? That might be it?
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I also though about that as well... I have been waiting to see some sort of sign that Villefort has been injured before. I just think we will find out more later... I read late into the night last night!
But I thought he said he buried him in the grave after he dug up the baby...? I will keep reading and just be glad I'm not alone here on this one. (eta, apparently I make things up. I'm caught up now! Onward!)
I found out more on it... you just have to keep reading!
So I was about to read the discussions on this part but I am confused... I see that everyone is talking about the end of the book (ouch) so when it says spoilers is that spoilers for the August discussion then? I am confused and don't want to read the threads if they will give away the end of the book.
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Ok Thanks...... I went back and scanned the ones that didn't have spoilers written and they still seemed to talk about the August discussions so I might wait to finish the book to read this section at all. :)I just finished this section. And it was great. Though I did feel like it ventured off from the story of the Count like the love affairs (but I still enjoyed reading these sections). I wonder if those are the sections missing from the abridged version. I think it is amazing how the Count has set up all these plans and they work. I am dying to know who is poisoning everyone!
Angie - mea culpa. I've always been guilty of "reading ahead," and I got so engrossed in the book that I finished it in mid July. Then I returned the book to the library and lost track of which chapters were in which month. I don't think I gave away any major plot points, but there were some references to the end of the book.
I started reading late... but if I had started reading it in June I would've finished early also. And it is hard to keep track of what went in which section...the only thing I am missing is the Count treasure.. I am dying to know what he did with it and where it is. Is it still on the Yacht hidden?
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I usually don't read a thread until I have finished that section of the book. I did the same on this one.. but when it said spoilers I thought it was for July's reading section! Oops. But I am almost done! The size is daunting.. and I am really glad though that I am reading the unabridged version! I am so glad though that I read it. It reads wonderfully! Especially for being written in... well looks like 1844. I just love it. My copy has a pic of a man on the front.. that is not how I picture the Count at all!
