The Count of Monte Cristo (book review)

The Count of Monte Cristo is a riveting book that keeps you turning the pages till you reach the ending, and even then, you don’t feel like putting the book down. Even when you do, thoughts keep swirling through your mind through the very vague and enigmatic ending, very much like the main protagonist in the book – the Count of Monte Cristo. You’d constantly wish there was a sequel, because youreallyreallyneedtoknowwhathappenedafterwards!!!!! But sadly, as Alexander Dumas Père is not alive to write us another mind-blowing, amazing, novel, I’m afraid you’ll have to settle with my thoughts on his intents.

 The book consists of two main parts. One focuses on Edmond Dantes, the other focuses on the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo. Initially, the second part seems to be a non sequitur (but very quickly the reader, if he has understood the previous chapters, will make the link). In a brief summary, the novel centers around Edmond Dantes, a young man accused of a conspiracy against the king and consigned to a cruel fate by firstly, Danglers, a fellow sailor of Edmond’s, eaten up by jealousy that Edmond would take up the position of captain. Secondly, by Fernand, who wanted to murder Edmond as he was betrothed to Mercedes, Fernand’s cousin, but a lady whom he himself was deeply in love with. Thirdly, by Villefort, who because of his own political ambitions, decided that Edmond was an obstacle to his ascending the rungs of his career ladder, ensured that Edmond suffered in one of the worst of political prisons for the next 14 years. In prison, just as Edmond was almost consumed by the throes of despair, agony, helplessness and hopelessness, he met a fellow prisoner, the Abbe, a knowledgeable man of the world. The Abbe became like a father to Edmond, and when he died, not only did he inherit the Abbe’s immense fortune, but also he gained much wisdom. Through very favorable circumstances, Edmond managed to escape from prison in a very unorthodox manner. He claimed his fortune and set about his revenge towards his tormentors, becoming the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, seeing himself as the agent of providence. He achieved his end, crushing his enemies brutally, but at the same time, we see the Count of Monte Cristo had not lost his heart; to those who treated him kindly and bothered about him when he was in prison, he rewarded richly, though anonymously. The novel ends off on a cliffhanger, with the Count disappearing off into the wide horizon of the oceans.

 Forgive me for not mentioning earlier that this story was set sometime during the 19^th century, when King Louis XVIII was on the throne, and the country was constantly in political turmoil – remember the triumphant return of Napoleon from the island of Elba, and the famous battle of Waterloo. To his credit, the author was a stickler for details and crafted out his plot beautifully, according to the political context of that time. I do think that he remained very unbiased throughout, not supporting either the Royalists, nor condoning the Bonapartists. Yet, I do believe that his novel was not meant to emphasize on politics.

 Although it is a very interesting and dramatic novel, I feel that it has much philosophical intent; chunks of passages are sometimes devoted to very in-depth thoughts on life, on love, on women, on death, on knowledge, on religion, on men in general – the list goes on. The idea of the nature of the human heart is explored, and we are disgusted to see what the quest of power can do to someone, or how a love gone wrong can be so destructive. People would trample down someone else so that they themselves can climb up their individual levels. The worst part of it all was that Edmond Dantes did not expect these people to do these to him – he considered them as friends, as acquaintances – never in his mind did he think they were enemies. Even Edmond himself was not perfect – when he thought of escaping from his prison, he was ready even to kill the sentinels on guard – not till the Abbe stopped him. We would be very shocked at what the worst situations can drive us to; when we peer into the darkness of our souls, it is not a comforting picture. Besides, the book also shows us the fickleness and transience of human relationships – for example, Edmond’s relationship with Mercedes (she married Fernand in the end while Edmond was in prison as she did was not allowed to know what happened to him).

 In the midst of all these gloominess and tragedies, however, we see the bright light of hope shining through, reminding us that there is a reason to find happiness in life. In the words of the Count, and it is actually the words with which the book ends – ““all human wisdom is summed up in these two words, ‘Wait and hope.” You’d probably be thinking of similar quotes such as “Before the rainbow there must come a little rain,” etc. Is not Edmond Dantes an example of that? Having suffered unheard of torments in prison, both physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, was he not, in the end, exalted above his enemies?

 In the midst of the fascination we feel at this powerful Count of M.C, we wonder where to draw the line between what’s justice and what’s not. Despite what his persecutors did to him, should the Count of Monte Cristo have gone after them in such a ruthless manner? Is it an act of deterrence? Did they deserve such harsh punishment? Where is then the place for empathy and compassion? Does not that famous and true quote say – “to err is human, to forgive is divine”? And yet, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” What a great paradox! There is a scene where the Count feels he has gone too far in his revenge (such to the point that Villefort’s son was killed) and he began to doubt himself and whether he truly was the agent of God. However, when he came across the Abbe’s writings, with a little epigraph at the bottom “Thou shalt tear out the dragons’ teeth, and trample the Lions under foot” his spirits and resolve were lifted. I suppose sometimes your own conscience will dictate whether you’ve crossed the line or not. To find some place to draw the line between justice and mercy is very difficult, and subjective – I think the author leaves us to ponder and contemplate on such searching questions.

 All in all, the book is intense and leaves you at the edge of your seat till you reach the last page. My heart went out for Edmond Dantes and all that he suffered – I shudder to imagine it – and I felt the same joyful palpitations as he when he attained what he wanted. I sincerely, sincerely, encourage you to read the novel if you have not, because it definitely would not be a waste of your time. Alexander Dumas’ writing is a timeless masterpiece, and I hope you enjoy it like I did.

 Leah Chua