Entry Five: Conclusions

   No more settings painted of a turbulent ocean. No more love triangles. No more elaborate plans of revenge. No more treasure hunting. Yes, indeed, the adventures of Monte Cristo are over. It's been quite the literary journey since the beginning of this novel and now it is time for a period of reflection.
   Lets start with the fate of one of Dantes' original betrayers, Danglars. As you may recall, Danglars was one of the jealous shipmates pining for Dantes' position as captain. Once Dantes has assumed the role of Monte Cristo and begins doling out punishments and rewards, Danglars is definitely not on his 'nice' list. However, Dumas provides the reader with a moment to breath as Dantes spares Danglars from a gruesome fate of starvation in his last moments. It was definitely extremely relieving to see a man given the opportunity to live.
   Within the topic of punishment and reward, looking at the novel as a whole one realizes how fitting all of the fates Dantes orchestrates truly are. Villefort, the man who originally imprisoned him, is driven mad. In this action Dantes takes away the mind that once allowed the man to enforce the law so cruelly. Ferdinand is then made heartbroken when his family and wife are taken away, just as he took Dantes beloved Mercedes away from him. Danglars only motivation was money, and in removing all of his material possessions Dantes hits him where it hurts the most. However, Danglars is really done the least amount of harm because it could be argued that a man can not reverse sorrow, nor his loss of sanity, yet he can regain his wealth. In all of these punishments, Dantes acted almost as a supreme being who did what was best in every situation.
   Something that was quite alarming at the end was Ferdinand's suicide. After losing all those that he loves he feels that he has simultaneously lost all the hope he once possessed in the world. Hope is above all the virtue Dantes values the most, so when a man becomes without it Dantes himself no longer sees a reason for that man to live. By expressing these feelings in the novel it made it seem as though Dantes was not guilty at all in his actions of making a man take his own life. Although he is depicted as a supernatural being, he is not literally one, and I felt as though this was not only selfish but terrifying. Dantes was capable of horrific things all along despite the fact that he was portrayed as the books protagonist. It is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine the hero of a story without any conscious at all whatsoever. 
   Something wonderful to see bloom was the final love story between Dantes and Haydee. After losing Mercedes to Ferdinand, finding the treasure, and taking on the identity of Monte Cristo, Dantes became disconnected from the world and all normal human interaction. It could be said that his only purpose was to give out revenge and reward, bypassing any type of genuine love. When Haydee expresses her true love for him he is reconnected to the world he has been missing for so long. After some of the more frightening actions Dantes has committed, it is nice to see that he is still human and capable of loving another individual in return.

  Overall, Monte Cristo was a fantastic read, filled with love and adventure (as all good Romanticism novels should be). Dumas takes those brave enough on a journey that's sure to make participants walk away with ideas about love, loss, revenge and how everything falls into place for a reason. It may get a little slow towards the middle, but the underlying message sings out strong by the end. Everything falls into place for a reason, and no matter how much good or bad you've done, you cannot change the course of fate.

Entry Four: Section 3

   A theme prevalent in this section of the book was revenge and blinding anger. Albert, a man who had befriended Monte Cristo, realizes that his father has been publically humiliated through a newspaper article. Unable to take the crippling shame, he is driven by a force of hatred that causes him to thirst for the blood of his fellow man. His attitude is such that he will stop at nothing before he kills someone, although in his mind the actual person is insignificant. He begins challenging people to duels, becoming more and more controlled by his rage. This illustration (http://14adonohuebabiak.glogster.com/monte-cristo-1/) is meant to show the process that Albert goes through, in which he is metaphorically chained down by his need for revenge and want for death. As this process develops, Albert also becomes less aware of those around him that begin to feel pity, most importantly Monte Cristo himself. As Monte Cristo reaches out to help his friend, Albert has become so guarded off and determined to carry through with an event that could lead to his own demise that he refuses to accept any assistance. Too focused on his own wounds, he no longer realizes that the only thing that could heal them is the help is so vigilantly ignores.

   A contrast to Albert is presented in the character development of Mercedes, Monte Cristo's ex-fiance. Monte Cristo has been depriving her of her new husband, as she believed her former lover to be dead, as well as her wealth. When he finally approaches her, she recognizes him immediately. This recognition combined with the author's description that she is renowned for her intelligence around Paris allow the reader to receive the impression that she is a sophisticated, independent, and self-righteous woman. Knowing not only of his identity, but also of his crimes against her and her family, Mercedes is given the opportunity to kill Monte Cristo. The fact that she does not after all he has done to her makes him believe that she is truly and honorable, forgiving person after all. Mercedes character development can be shown through this illustration (http://14adonohuebabiak.glogster.com/monte-cristo-2/). Despite the fact the Monte Cristo had blames her, when she knew herself to be innocent, Mercedes was able to remain spiritually free, not allowing these accusations to tie her down like her male counterpart, Albert. Through her virtuous actions one learns that she deserves her wealth by honest means, unlike the contraband treasure acquired by Monte Cristo. Mercedes truly is a good person, and is able to be such fueled by her willingness to love others no matter their offenses.

Entry Three: Section 2

   In this most recent section, Edmond Dantes has taken on a multitude of aliases through which he does certain deeds. He dresses himself as the Abbe when he is placing someone in the position to be judged, an Englishman (whom he refers to as Lord Wilmore) when he is being excessively generous, Sinbad The Sailor when he partakes in schemes that are a tad more eccentric, and Monte Cristo when he commits his acts of revenge. As a reader, I was happy to know that even in the midst of Dantes new-found wealth and intellect he chose to forgive one of his captors upon his return to Marseilles, Caderousse. It is also a relief to find out that rather than punish Caderousee, Dantes believes his remorse for his actions years ago are genuine and rewards him with the gift of a large diamond. Then, dressed as Lord Wilmore, it was fantastic to see Dantes visit his old boss Morrell. The sailing company has fallen into financial unrest as it's most successful ship, the Pharaon, was lost at sea. What a spectacular turn of events it was for Dantes to buy all of the stock, relieve every debt, as well as pay for Morrell's daughter, Julie's, dowry allowing her to marry.The Pharaon's safe return to the harbor, original cargo in tact, was merely the icing on the cake. It was also delightful to, through the text, experience the luxury in which Dantes lives. At the time that Dantes entertains Franz, a Parisian scholar, in his getaway on the island, we are invited into a world of riches, comfort, and worldly experiences. On the other side of things, I do not like the way Albert carries himself in this section of the reading. He is lured into a romantic trap by Teresa, Luigi Vampi's beloved. Even once he has been kidnapped and his ranson drawn up, he refuses to take the situation seriously despite the fact that he could have shortly faced his death. Of course, it was a relief that Dantes was able to intervene and right the situation, but I still feel as though crucial psychological development must be made regarding this character. Something not only dissapointing, but a tad disturbing, is Dantes contorted emotional basis. Due to years of reward and revenge, his psychological make up has become almost the exact opposite of a normal person. He revels in hurting those he deems deserves it while he fears the idea of being happy. He is just as proud of the instances in which he helps those that deserve it as he is proud of the instance in which he brutally takes revenge on those he deems deserve it. These elements make his character extremely interesting, yet simultaneously terrifying. When Dantes visits Mercedes it is wonderful to see that she recognizes him, as this proves the strength of her love after so many years. However, it is devastating to see that there is no longer opportunity for them to be together because, believing Dantes to be dead, Mercedes has married Ferdinand and started a family with him. A new character introduced during this section that was particularly intriguing was Haydee. She is Dantes young mistress, as well as a Greek woman draped in Oriental luxury. During the time of Romanticism, writers were obsessed with the mystery they associated with the Orient, causing oriental woman to appear much more appealing than European woman. Dantes is also drawn to the girl by his half-compassionate nature, taking a sympathetic view of a woman who was forced to endure a war wrought with trial and tribulation. (You can read more about that here --> http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Greek_War_of_Independence) The Greek War of Independence only created more European intrigue for a location that they considered foreign and exotic. This interest played a big role in the writings of numerous romantics, such as Dumas himself, and allowed characters like Haydee to assumes significance at the forefront of his novels.

   This video was created by an organization in Europe that chooses to oppose the death penalty. That topic comes into play in Monte Cristo when Dantes discusses his views on capitol punishment. Admittedly, some of these opinions could be described as horrific to readers, and likely to anyone but Dantes himself as his mind has become so warped. He expresses that a death penalty is not enough, furthermore, criminals should be forced to undergo much more suffering than a mere few moments of punishment. This provides the insight that he does not feel satisfied until he puts his enemies through as much pain as they put him through. This is an alarming thought, as in his wealth and power he has become extremely intelligent. That alone combined with his mobility and ability to buy anything necessary makes his elaborate plans of revenge on Danglars and Villefort something to cringe at. Within this revelation about human justice, Villefort is also alluded to. He is described as a man unfit to accomplish any true justice, as he seeks only to elevate himself within the world and does not even follow all of the laws he strictly holds criminals to. It can be predicted that Dantes could use these hypocritical elements of Villefort to not only cause physical pain, but emotional and psychological break down as well.

Entry Two: Section 1

   As we have already learned, Edmond Dantes is a man of good fortune--at least at first. His world revolves around his work on the boat for Morrel & Sons and his beautiful fiance, Mercedes. On the night of his betrothal feast, a time at which he should be the happiest, he is arrested for what are said to be conspiracy documents. This act is based on the evidence of the letter left to him by his late captain that was to be delivered to the Bonapartist, Noirtier. At the time Dantes does not know that his jealous ship mates, grinding there teeth at the title of captain he was in line for, were the reason he ended up in prison. Nor did he know that the so-called "conspirator leader" Nortier was actually the prison governor, Monsieur Villefort's, father. From the prison he is taken to the dungeon where he makes a transition from depressed to enraged until one day he meets a priest that has built a tunnel from his own cell to Dantes. The priest, Abbes, takes Dante under his wing and Dante becomes almost like a son to him over the next two years. Abbes has his mind set on a treasure that is supposedly been left to him on an island called Monte Cristo. He tells Dantes an elaborate story behind the treasure as proof it exists and forces Dantes to commit the directions to the treasure to memory before dieing of a heart attack. He escapes prison and makes an attempt to swim for the island, being picked up by a ship when he is not quite there. This ship eventually takes him to Monte Cristo after Dantes has grown close with many of the ship mates, specifically Jacibo. Here he finds his treasure yet when he returns to the island after ferrying some of the money back to Marseilles he learns that Mercedes has dissapeared and his father has died. 
   Something that delighted me during this section was the idea that even in the hardest of circumstances, such as being imprisoned, one can care for others and build lasting connections. At the same time it was uplifting to see Dantes escape this prison. I was extremely surprised, and somewhat distraught, that two men would have no trouble at all framing Dantes, ethically speaking that is. If I possessed the knowledge that I had cost a man two years of his life as well as his marriage and spending the last days with his father, I would not be able to live with the guilt. This causes me to question whether the other two crew members knew the complete implications of their accusations before committing them. The story becomes bitter-sweet when our hero finds the treasure yet, at the same time, loses both his father and fiance. Of course I was delighted in his discovery, but saddened by his emotional loss as he procured monetary gain. I find it worse that he lost his loved ones because the money will soon mean nothing to him if he has no one to share it with or build a life based upon it.
   As the book progresses I would predict that Dantes gains a feeling of power from the vast fortune he has just discovered. From this power may stem the thought that he now has the ability to judge those that hurt him, identities at this point in the story that had become all too clear to him. Basing my hunches in human nature, I predict Dantes will attempt revenge on his accusers. He may even do this by framing them for a similar political action just so they can feel exactly the way he felt when placed under those circumstances. I also think he will do something generous with his money such as make a financial donation to Morrell. With his father, the priest and fiance gone, Morrell is really the only man left who means anything to him. In Dantes mind, he is the man who offered him immense opportunity and a bright future.

Entry One: Introductions

   Welcome to your latest educational experience on historical fiction! The subject of which will be The Count of Monte Cristo; a novel by Alexandre Dumas. This will be a mutual learning experience, as I have read a mere 25 pages of the book thus far. From this glimpse I have come to realize that the plot focuses on a young sailor by the name of Edmond Dantes. Everything in life seems to be going right for him. He has a lovely fiance and is next in line to be offered a job as captain of the ship he previously worked on as a crew member. Things began to go wrong and Edmond is sent on a spiraling journey that I would predict changes his life drastically.
   We travel back in time to the Napoleonic era and, as readers, are transported to places such as Paris and Marseilles. From the way the protagonists, officials, and law enforcers are described, one can make the assumption that the justice system during this time period is going to be depicted as harsh and possibly even unfair. That factor could cause Edmond to get into trouble with the law that he then cannot provide a solution for, correspondingly meddling with the connection and/or communication between he and his beloved. The knowledge that the police force of France are after him will only increase the feelings of adventure and suspense within the novel. Heightening the element of stress, due to a need for self preservation, could cause Edmond to make bigger, bolder, and riskier decisions while traveling or at sea. The author opened with a detailed description of the boat which could send the message that the majority of the book will take place at ports, fishing villages, traveling from one island to another, or on the vessel itself.
   In order to ensure that I find whether these hunches are correct, I must actually read the book. It is 441 pages and to accomplish this I have laid out the following reading schedule:

• Pages 1-109 (Due 3/4)
• Pages 110-222 (Due 3/11)
• Pages 223-328 (Due 3/18)
• Pages 329-441 (Due 3/25)