By Jordan
The Count of Monte Christo was
the persona taken by Edmond Dantes during his mission to take revenge on
Danglars, Fernand, and Villefort. He almost
always has a calm composure, even when dealing with stressful situations and
pressure. Additionally, when it comes to planning, The Count is cunning and
calculating. However, in contrast to his usually calm and calculating demeanor,
The Count becomes more forgiving as his mission progresses, and he takes pity
on several of his enemies even sparing their lives and feeling conflicted about
his actions. Throughout the story, he also acts as a mentor of sorts to Morrel
and a protector to Valentine.
“Hello, I am the man whom you
know as the Count of Monte Christo. It would seem as if I have become quite
popular with recent events. I have been told that people view me as an idol of
sorts. Alas, I am only doing God’s work; dispensing justice where it is
deserved. I have acquired skills such as knowledge of poisons and chemistry in
general, which I have used to make myself immune to poisons. As for reasons to
my mission to impose justice on those who deserve it; I was greatly wronged in
my past, and I know that it is God’s will for me to ensure those who do wrong
will pay for their crimes. It is my life’s cause to ensure no crime goes
unpunished.”
“I must have my revenge Mercedes!
For fourteen years have I suffered, for fourteen years have I wept and cursed,
and now I must avenge myself.” (Dumas, 405)
“And God grant that I have not
already done too much!” (Dumas, 489)
“Death is either like a friend
who rocks us as gently as a nurse, or an enemy who violently tears the soul
from the body.” (Dumas, 503)
Maximilien Morrel is one of The
Counts followers, and likely his closest friends. He is in love with Valentine,
who feigns death with the help of The Count in order to stop Renee de Villefort
from killing her. Morrel didn’t find out about The Count and Valentine’s plan,
and so thinks that the love of his life had died. He becomes suicidal, and
attempts to take his own life. The Count stops him and Morrel agrees to live until
the end of the month. After The Count brings him to Monte Cristo, Valentine is
revealed to be alive and well, much to Morrel’s disbelief. They then go on to
live a happy life together.
Hello. My name is Maximilen
Morrel. I am the son of Pierre Morrel who was a naval captain and the former employer
of Edmond Dantes before he was imprisoned. I wished to marry Valentine, but she
was murdered, and so I intended to join her in death. The Count made me promise
to stay alive until the end of the month. The Count has taught me many things
about life, and I certainly look up to him as both a friend and a mentor. I
only wish that Valentine was still alive, or that I could join her in death.
“I love her so much that I would
shed all my blood to save her one tear.” (Dumas, 425)
“As to one whose spirit lives in
heaven while his body still walks the earth.” (Dumas, 502)
“This angel resembles the one I
have lost!” (Dumas, 505)
