Most Memorable Moment Journal

Most Memorable Moment Journal

The Count of Monte Cristo

            

     Through out the final chapters of the book ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, there are several memorable moments. Some of these include Valentine’s false death by the hands of The Count, and The Counts discovery of Villefort’s son’s death.  However, the most memorable scene in my section is the ending.  I feel as if the ending is very fitting and also concludes the book very well.

            

     In the ending, The Count heads back to Monte Cristo after discovering the death of Gerard de Villefort’s son. Gerard’s wife had killed him using the poisoning techniques taught to her by The Count.  Morrel also travels with him to the island, and the Count tricks Morrel into thinking he fulfilled his promise of allowing Morrel to commit suicide if he did not get past Valentine’s ‘death’ within a month. After he awakens from his apparent ‘death’, Morrel finds Valentine alive and well, much to his surprise.  The next day, The Count leaves France with Haydee, and tells Morrel and Valentine to donate half is fortune to Mademoiselle de Villefort. He also gives them all his property and tells them to live happily.

           

     The ending is so memorable because of what took place before it. Before Dante’s imprisonment, he was naïve and trusting. In the prison, he grew vengeful and paranoid, planning how he would exact his revenge. After escaping prison, he had his revenge on the people who had him imprisoned, and he did so with very little mercy. However, nearing the end of the book, he begins to forgive some of his enemies. Finally, at the end of the book, he sees how far his want for vengeance has reached, and realizes that he can no longer justify his actions. At the end of the book, we are left with the thought provoking statement; “All human wisdom is contained in the words wait and hope!’” This final line sums up the story, as most of the characters are placed in situations where all they can do is ‘wait and hope’. Finally, this line applies to us, as most aspects of life are not entirely under our control, and we are forced to ‘wait and hope’ for the best outcome.

Contemporary Relevence

The Costs of Revenge

            As human beings, it is often that we can feel wronged, or feel the need to ‘get even’. This feeling is called ‘the need for revenge’, and it is very common even in modern culture. The want for revenge is a very basic emotion. It can often be felt after losing something, or feeling overpowered. However, even being so basic, it can quickly consume our minds.

            Today, society often encourages vengeance, and many celebrities and political figures have been shown to be rather vengeful. Revenge, to some extent is a normal occurrence, and is not necessarily always bad. For example, sports teams may lose one match, but due to the need to ‘get even’; they may get the extra motivation they need to pull through and win in the next match.  This competitiveness is what fuels sports and competitions in general.

            However, it is often that our need for vengeance leads us into bad situations. We often exaggerate the opposing party’s actions against ourselves, and do more damage than they had done to us. Additionally, they opposing party may seek vengeance on us after we have had ours.

            This type of exchange is often seen in politics and international affairs. It is often started when someone tries to get involved in someone else’s affairs, or tries to impose their rules one someone else. Eventually, one party may feel as if it has been wronged, and will seek vengeance against the other party. This starts a vicious cycle of one party seeking revenge against the other.

            Our need for revenge can cause more damage than we intended to cause. People who weren't originally involved can suddenly be dragged into the situation. We may hurt the opposing party more than we intended. Finally, we may even end up hurting ourselves in the process.

Character Analysis

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)

CPT check 2 - A and FB - section 1 and 2

Hola,

Santhosh - your feedback (for Mustafa?) wasn't labelled, so it isn't showing up.  Pls. edit this post and ID who you are giving feedback to.

Andy and Jordan - thanks for all the feedback + responses

Andy, thanks for posting your work ahead of time

Jordan - clock's ticking (but it's due by class time Thurs)

Mustafa - thanks for the feedback + A's

~Ms. G

Questions - Andy

1. Why do you think Edmond hid his identity and used different aliases such as Monte Cristo and Sinbad the sailor? How do you think the story would've changed if he entered using his original name?

2. When Mercedes visits Edmond and begs of him to not kill her son, Albert, Edmond says a line.
"How stupid I was not to have torn my heart out the day I swore to avenge myself!" (Dumas, 379)
What do you think this quote means and what does it show about the character of Edmond?

3. Fernand was sentenced to jail for a crime while he was stationed in Yanina. What was this crime and what proof did Edmond have that could have supported this sentence?

4. Two of Edmond's targets have been dealt with so far in the story, Caderousse by death, and Fernand through imprisonment. Which targets are left and how do you think Edmond will deal with them? Has there been any events that hinted at your idea?

5. The author has shown some scenes with the Vilelfort family having internal conflict. What are some examples of their internal conflict? Do you think Edmond had a part of the conflict? Or maybe they were bound to have conflict sometime?

Feedback - By Santhosh

Section 1 Feedback

Overall i think you did an amazing job. I think it would have been better if you expanded on your most memorable moment journal and to clarify more on why it was captivating to you. Also i liked how you used effective examples and quotes to back up your information and went in depth on analyzing your points. You could also remember to site your quotes. Another thing was I think it would be better to clarify what type of "writing in role" you were doing, and to talk more like the characters,

Question Responses - Mustafa By: Santhosh

By: Santhosh

1. I think the ultimate goal of the count is to get revenge on the people that gave him so much pain who are the people who was at fault for his imprisonment. this was foreshadowed while Faria states that he has now created a feeling of vengeance in Dantes' heart. We know now that he has gone through with that by making sure that his knowledge is corrects by going to Caderousse and getting updated while being disguised as a priest.

2. I think he killed his wife also because his wife was very annoying and it felt that she wasn't supporting Caderousse. Also he might of got crazy over the fact of having a diamond of such value and he didn't want to share the profit. Another thing is that if he had kept his wife alive then she would reveal the crime to others like she did with the priest. She revealed that he was also at fault for Dantes arrest.

Analysis of Characters

Andy Choo

Character Analysis

The Count of Monte Cristo

“Monte Cristo”

Monte Cristo was the main protagonist of this story. His real name was Edmond Dantes, but simply used the Count of Monte Cristo as a handle while in Paris. Monte Cristo was rich beyond belief from finding ancient roman treasure on the petit island of Monte Cristo. Also, Monte Cristo is a very religious man, and everything that happens is God’s will.

“”I want what God wants. If you arrive home safely, leave Paris, leave France and, wherever you are, and as long as you behave honestly… Then I’ll believe that God has forgiven you and I’ll forgive you also.” – Dumas, 338.

Characteristics

Monte Cristo was well respected upon society. People often came to him seeking for favours or advice. He was very intelligent and sneaky as well. One action that seemed pointless would play a much bigger part of his plan in future chapters. Monte Cristo knew his enemies well and took small steps to achieve his goals. He is an amazing linguist, knowing multiple languages such as French, Greek, Italian, and English.

“No, for I saw the justice of God in Benedetto’s hand, and I would have considered it a sacrilege to oppose the intentions of Providence.” – Dumas, 341

Interests

One of Monte Cristo’s interests is travel. By carriage, horse, or ship, Monte Cristo loves to travel.  He has successfully traveled throughout the world. Another interest of his is the arts. Monte Cristo has spent hundreds of thousands of francs purchasing paintings and hasn’t missed a single opera since he stepped foot in Paris.

“We’ll go where the air is pure, where all sounds are soothing, where, no matter how proud one may be, one feels humble and finds oneself small—in short, we’ll go to the sea. I love the sea as one loves a mistress and I long for her when I haven’t seen her for some time.” – Dumas, 346

Goals & Motives

Monte Cristo swore vengeance to the four people that falsely imprisoned him for eternity, Fernand, Danglers, Caderousse, and Villefort. Monte Cristo was falsely accused as a bonapartist and was sentenced to a life time in prison for treason. His life was completely changed and he seeked revenge to those who framed him.

Dear diary,

                Thanks to Mercedes, I live to see another day. The duel had been called off by Albert himself, and I know Mercedes did something to change his mind. My plan so far has been working perfectly; two out of the four guilty parties have been dealt with, leaving only Villefort and Danglers left. They soon will feel what it’s like to suffer as I had, to experience what it’s like to be imprisoned for fourteen straight years. I’ve lost everything that day, they’re lucky I’m only doing so much to their lives.  Who knows, maybe something may come up and slow me down. However, whatever happens, it’s God’s will for me and I’ll accept it with open arms.

-Monte Cristo

Albert de Morcef

Albert was the only son of Fernand and Mercedes and was known as the self proclaimed Viscount de Morcef. His family became rich through the dark acts done by Albert’s father.  Albert was a brave man, who turns down no challenge, and was very honest with what his desires and feelings. His optimism further enhances his bravery, as he believes that he can do anything anyone else has done. Also, Albert had a high respect for his parent’s wishes and followed those above his own desires.

“I’m young, I’m strong and I believe I’m brave; and since yesterday I’ve learned what strength ofw ill can do. There are men who have suffered and who have not only gone on living, but even built a new fortune on the ruins of their former happiness.” – Dumas, 386

Goals

Albert wished to stay single and live a free bachelor life, but he also wanted to please his father’s demands to follow through the arranged marriage. Albert also planned to kill Monte Cristo for revenge to what he did to his father.

“The most fortunate thing that could happen to me would be to die for my father, that will save us all.” – Dumas, 367

Motives

Albert despised the woman he was matched up with by his father, and didn’t want to marry the woman. Mercedes also doesn’t like the matchup, but Albert still wanted to please his father. Albert felt that Monte Cristo had no reason to punish Fernand, and wanted revenge.

“I reproached you for revealing my father’s conduct in Greece, for I believed that, however guilty he may have been, you had no right to punish him. …but the fisherman Fernand’s betrayal of you, and the unspeakable punishment it led to.” – Dumas, 384

Dear Diary,

                Today marks the day I become my own man, no longer bound to the name of my imprisoned father. My father was a criminal and a terrible man as well. After his imprisonment, I’ve decided to leave everything related to my father and start a new life elsewhere with my mother. People in this world have suffered greater losses in this world, and have found a new love for this world. I know that I can do this as well. A new life begins this day, and it’s a beautiful thought to think about all there is that could possibly come. I’m a new man, without an identity, but soon I will discover who I will become.

-Albert de Morcef

Analysis of Setting - Andy

Andy Choo

Setting of the Count of Monte Cristo

This novel took place France, Paris specifically, during the late 1700s and early 1800s with King Louis XVIII in power. Men wore white wigs, tapered suits, and dress shoes while women wore big frilly dresses that covered the entire body. The most used means of transportation in the novel were horses, carriages, and ships. If the people weren’t too busy with their jobs, they would spend their time at operas, public executions, balls and dinner parties. With exceptions to Monte Cristo’s multi cultural servants, the main religion was Christianity and you either believed in it or didn’t. Honor and reputation was a big part of their culture. If one were humiliated publically, a duel to the death settled the quarrel.

In this novel, there were three types of economic classes, poor, middle class, and rich. Poor people, such as Caderousse, relied on begging and thievery in order to sustain their lifetime and actually survive in the world. The poor were usually evil and greedy, because they needed to be in order to live. The middle class people, such as Dantes in the beginning of the novel, could live and were happy with the couple thousand francs they had. Then there were the rich people, such as Villefort, Danglers, and Albert. They usually held the big jobs such as being a banker, being a lawyer, and being a war general. The rich could practically do anything they wanted as long as it was okay with the law. There was a big gap between the poor and the rich, some people having nothing and others that carry around millions of francs in their pockets.

The view of this story is mainly set on the rich parts of Paris because of the targets becoming very successful after Edmond’s imprisonment. People of other economic classes were barely mentioned in the story except for Caderousse and before Edmond were sent to prison. Every family had multiple servants to serve every order and announce them when they went places. Money ruled the area and everything could be out-bought by the rich or things could be kept secret with it. However, just like any family, they had dark secrets within their own families.

The diction in this novel matches the setting fairly well. The original speech is French, and this novel was a translation of it. Many words have been used that have eventually died off in this modern era. Some of these words that include quarrel, misfortune, and benevolent would not be used in a casual conversation during the modern day, but would have been used in previous years. To the modern day adolescents, these words may seem fancy because their meaning has been replaced with much simpler words, and that really fit the book. These families were wealthy, noble, and highly respected, and these older words have really made their sentences seem more snobby and noble, which was a perfect fit for the time.

My Most Memorable Moment - Andy

Andy Choo

My Most Memorable Moment

                In my section, the most memorable moment for me was the build up and the duel between Monte Cristo and Albert de Morcef. The main reason this part of the novel stood out to me was because Albert wanted vengeance against Monte Cristo to restore his family honor. Despite everything Monte Cristo did for Albert and his family, Albert was willing to risk it all for the sake of his family’s honor. Albert’s motivation is what really made this part of the novel stand out.

                The general idea of this moment was that Albert’s father, Fernand, was jailed for the murder of the Persian emperor and the selling of the emperor’s family to the slave market. The news of his confinement ticked Albert off and he was determined to restore honor to his family name. Albert pieced evidence together and concluded that Monte Cristo had framed his father and that it was a giant plan that Monte Cristo had plotted out. The duel was set to the next day at dawn. The duel; however, was solved by Albert’s mother and Monte Cristo’s ex-fiancée, Mercedes. Albert learned of Monte Cristo’s motives, vengeance against the people who imprisoned him, and forgave Monte Cristo.

Before the build up, Albert and Monte were good friends, even with a huge age gap of around ten to twenty years. The two met at Italy and became friends due to Albert’s inconvenience of having no carriage to take him back home. Monte Cristo saved Albert’s life from bandits and also broke up Albert’s planned marriage with a woman he hated. After all this good Monte Cristo has done, Albert still wished to duel Monte Cristo and restore his family’s honor. This whole idea of honor and family is what really caught my attention.

I chose this moment not because it was a duel, but because of the ideology of family honor. I noticed how important the family name and reputation was back then and it really made me think about what it means today and how it’s changed throughout the years. In previous years before the modern age, honor was a big thing. People, such as Albert, would do outrageous things to restore family honor or to make sure no secret escaped. Albert wanted to duel an expert in which he had no chance on winning simply to make sure his father’s name would not be shamed. This honor ideology was also apparent in a movie I watched called 47 Ronin. In ancient Japan, the emperor of a city committed suicide infront of the shogun to pay for his crimes. The emperor sold his land to another terrible emperor and committed suicide simple to make sure his family name wouldn’t be injured. Both Albert and the emperor were willing to do such costly actions for the sake of the family name.

Nowadays, I think the family name is just used to differentiate people with the same first name. Shame and reputation are no longer held as a curse to the family as it used to back then. Thoughts and relations are held more towards the individual person as opposed to the family because siblings can be polar opposites from each other. More people are worried about how they are perceived now instead of how they’re family is. This moment was my most memorable one in my section because it really made me think about how society has changed with regards to the family honor.