The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexander Dumas, is a classic novel about a young sailor named Edmond Dantes who is imprisoned for alleged conspiracy with Napoleon. Doomed to a life in jail, Dantes discovers that the series of disastrous events that led to his imprisonment were caused by his very own “friends”. Vowing to get his revenge, Dantes manages to escape captivity, and find those who made his life miserable. Dantes then identifies himself as the Count of Monte Cristo in order to execute his carefully wrought revenge to bring down each and every one of his avengers. Although there are several themes throughout this novel, the one most prevalent is the perseverance required to get what one wants. Dantes starts to show perseverance the moment he escapes from the Chateau d’ If in his determination to get revenge on those who caused his imprisonment. In his new life as the Count of Monte Cristo, Dantes kindles new relationships with his former acquaintances in attempt to turn them on each other from within. Initially Monte Cristo appears to be completely heartless; however, he does find ways to benefit his new friends as well as get his revenge. Monte Cristo’s first target is Monsieur de Villefort. Before his conviction Monte Cristo believes that he can trust Villefort to help clear his name; however, Villefort turns on him to protect his own reputation. After punishing Villefort for his wrongs, Monte Cristo wants nothing more than to leave Villefort and his family alones. ‘“I’ve come to tell you that you’ve paid your debt to me and that from now on I will pray to God not to punish you any further”’ (484). In this statement Monte Cristo is trying to express that the pain that has been brought to the Villefort family was his doing. Monte Cristo then focuses on ruining the life of Monsieur de Morcerf, former Fernand Mondego. Just a month after Dantes’ imprisonment, Mercedes, Dantes’ fiancée, receives word that her beloved Edmond