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The Count of Monte Cristo(chapters 101-end)
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Lisa, the usurper
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Jun 21, 2011 06:54AM
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That's what was so special about this book, for me... Edmond (to an extent) begins to reign in his revenge plots because he fears he will lose his humanity to his vengeance. It's not just a novel about getting revenge; it becomes about what the quest does to Edmond and the people he grows to sympathize with.
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Well put Laura.
I'm a bit late in this discussion, but I JUST became a member of this group while finishing the last pages of The Count of Monte Cristo! Really loved the book and was surprised to love the ending as well. I kept expecting something truly tragic and horrible to happen to my favorite characters, but they all survived! In responce to the motives (and please respond if my thoughts sound naive- because I'm pretty young and still have a lot to learn, and I want to see as much as I can in this book): I don't think they were justified and I feel that is what Edmond learns in the end - that revenge belongs to God. Edmond forgives the worst of his villians (the instigator of his misfortunes) Danglars. But, he doesn't seem to have (very much) remorse for what happens to Morcerf and Villaforte.
I sort of feel like Edmond was the villian in the book, even with all the secret heroic acts he did for people he barely knew. Or maybe he's just human.
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Wonderful JeniLynn! I would have to agree with you. That is a great analysis!
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What pulled me in was the intricacy of the plot and the methods. I was astounded all the way through by how he came up with his scheme and how he implemented it without so much as a bead of sweat, so to speak. I felt sorry for Edmond, not only for losing so many years, but also for being so highly gifted and not turning it in a direction that would make him happy. But then, that's often the case. Do those at "the top" truly enjoy their lives? Are they so focused on the end goal that they destroy themselves more than any outside influence possibly could?
The quote: "Living well is the best revenge" seems appropriate here. Well doesn't mean, of course, throwing money around, but living in a way that makes you happy. If you do that, what does it matter what anyone else has?
JeniLynn wrote: "I don't think they were justified and I feel that is what Edmond learns in the end - that revenge belongs to God. Edmond forgives the worst of his villians (the instigator of his misfortunes) Danglars. But, he doesn't seem to have (very much) remorse for what happens to Morcerf and Villaforte..."The story takes place in a Christian culture, so one way to think about the novel is Old Testament versus New Testament.
Old: An eye for an eye
New: Forgive and let judgment belong to God
The moral/ethical struggle that Edmund represents, then, is the struggle between these two perspectives.
There are, of course, many ways to look at the novel, but this is one possibility.
Interesting Jim! I'll have to think about this perspective some more. Thinking back on the scenes, I can see how it would apply, especially over the years of Dantes life. Do you know anything about Dumas' personal religious conviction? I don't, other than my knowledge of his numerous affairs with women which would indicate no religious conviction - but this book is so convicting at times.
Jim wrote: "The story takes place in a Christian culture, so one way to think about the novel is Old Testament versus New Testament.Old: An eye for an eye
New: Forgive and let judgment belong to God"
Ah, but "an eye for an eye" only meant that you shouldn't punish someone harsher than the crime demands. For instance, they were at the time, and in some places still do today, taking off a hand for a petty theft. The Old Testament writers were saying this was wrong; the punishment was too harsh. It wasn't a vengeful phrase, but a moderation phrase, as in don't take it too far.
That could certainly be part of Edmond's dilemma. How far did he take it before it was the same as cutting off a hand for a petty theft?
In the New Testament angle, the overwhelming theme of Christianity is that your "sins" make your life harder on you, so if you forgive you'll be happier. If you take vengeance, you cause yourself even more grief. Definitely a play in the book, as well. So yes, it could be the old vs. new theme, but not in punishment/judgment as much as inner peace or conflict.
