”The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexander Dumas Argumentative

The novel entitled, The Count of Monte Cristo was written by Alexander Dumas. The story begins during the eighteenth century and takes place in the country of France. The environment is within the travelling adventures of men embarking on a ship called the Pharoan. The protagonist is introduced by the author as being, Edmond Dantes. This character is seemingly described as being an extremely trustworthy and very naive young man. He is a youthful sailor from Marseilles and is more or less favorably destined to become the next captain of the ship. While sailing abroad the ship named the Pharaon, the presiding Captain LeClure dies of what was then known as brain fever. Dantes assumes the acting position of commander and leads the ship back to Marseilles. The ship-owner, Monsieur Morrel, is overwhelmingly charmed to find that such a young man had the keen ability and skill to have mastered such a task. Monsieur Morrel makes plans to bestow Edmond Dantes as the official captain of the Pharaon. However, unbeknownst to Dantes this has gained himself four scheming and conniving cut throat enemies.

These four characters within the story were noted as Danglers, Ferdinand Cadarouse and at his own account Villefort. Henceforth, each of the four men collectively betrayed Edmond Dantes for their own selfish reasons. However, Gerard de Villefort the prosecutor ultimately betrayed Edmond Dantes the most. As an illustration, betrayal is a conscious act of disloyalty and deceit on another person. In essence, the dualism the author shows they undertook unfaithful pretenses to exploit an innocent party. These characters basically implemented false information to mislead and discredit Dantes character. Through deceptive means they destroyed the promising life of a young man. They disregarded Dantes as an individual and displayed no love, trust or compassion. Overall, divulging false information and misleading disingenuousness they were able to gain self-fulfillment and the destruction of a person’s life. These factors contributed to the emotional battle of conflicts in which deeply scar Edmond Dantes. ”Dantes passed through all the various stages of misery that affect a forgotten and forsaken prisoner in his cell.

First there was Pride born of hope and a consciousness of innocence; he was so reduced he began to doubt innocence; finally his pride gave way to entreaty, yet it was not God he prayed to, for that is the last resource, but man. ” (78) He subsequently lost the woman he loved to his friend Ferdinand and prestige of becoming captain on the ship and his overall self-esteem and human dignity had demolished. The author conveyed many acts of preservation, jealousy, hatred and treachery Towards the character, Edmond Dantes. Danglers position as a shipmate, he himself sought the position of captain however the youthful and new sailor Edmond Dantes was more admired. Danglers became dangerously envious of Dantes. Danglers was referenced in the book as “ a man of twenty five or twenty six, of unprepossessing countenance, obsequious to his superiors, insolent to his subordinates; and besides the fact that he was the purser—and pursers are always unpopular on board—he was personally as much disliked by the crew as Edmond Dantes was beloved by them.”

Such attitudes angered Danglers particularly because Dantes had earned high praises from the ship owner, Monsieur Morel. Morel had stated “It seems to me that the sailor needs not to be so old to understand his business; our friend Edmond seems to understand it thoroughly, and require no instruction from anyone.” Danglers were devious and are not fond of the ship owner’s viewpoint but he agrees in fiery. His presence, and underhandedly begins to talk strongly against his shipmate, finding faults to disclaim his position as a good captain. Despite the cold hearted characteristics in Danglers he nevertheless is not the ultimate backstabber. Danglers had made his position apparent throughout the story, his covetousness was no surprise. Ferdinand the co -conspirator conscious of the situation that was on a rise, enjoyed the Pre wedding celebration with the mindset of having Edmond imprisoned. Ferdinand indicated one day Mercedes will be his wife. “They had barely gone a hundred yards when they perceived the small bridal party approaching…Ferdinand walked behind, wearing an evil smile. Neither Edmond nor Mercedes noticed this smile.

They were so happy that they had eyes only for each other, and for the beautiful blue sky whence they hoped for the blessing of their union.”(33) With this in mind, Danglers and Ferdinand indeed conspired to have Dantes wrongfully imprisoned for being a Bonapartist. In other words, Dantes was accused of being a person that aimed to restore the French Empire by assisting Napoleon Bonaparte the former King of France. Although the latter, Caderousse was not guilty of actually participating in the mastery scheme he was aware of the ugly conspiracy and he just remained quiet. “So far everything is succeeding wonderfully, Danglers said to him. I am already temporary captain, and if that fool Caderousse can be persuaded to hold his tongue, I shall soon have the job for good and all.”(39) Often betrayal results in conflict within relationships. In the story while the protagonist was accused of treason a horrible act towards one’s country. It was a situation whereby one will usually end in life imprisonment or death.

The decision was left to the prosecutor Villefort to determine his innocence’s. “I believe you told me the truth, was Ville forts answer, and if you have been guilty it is through imprudence an, imprudence justified by your captains orders. Hand me the letter that was given to you at Elba, give me your word of honor that you will appear …, you may rejoin your friends.”(51) The prosecutor has a duty to assess the findings in the case and justify his verdict. Villefort found the case against Edmond Dantes to have been fallacious. “Perhaps you have no enemies, but you may have aroused feelings of jealousy” (48) Gérard de Villefort, initially was known as a candid prosecutor however turns on Dantes to protect his family’s reputation. He had the ability to overthrow these false acquisitions but due to the findings in the case he allowed Edmond to be falsely imprisoned. “Wait a moment, the deputy said as Dantes was taking his hat and gloves. To whom was it addressed? To Monsieur Noirtier, Rue Coq Heron, Paris.”(50) This was the most despicable act of each of the characters.

In contrast, treason is one of the most unruly human occurrences. It is not only disappointing but also scarring. Consequently, in the novel there were countless acts of prevarication, and treachery towards Edmond Dantes. Nevertheless, seeing as though Villefort had knowledge of the bogus implications that had been brought upon Dantes, it was his duty to set him free. Despite the information regarding his father the Bonopartist. It was clear by Edmond Dantes position he was unaware of Monsieur Noirtier relations to Villefort and would not have been of any threat. Villefort was the ultimate betrayer .

Works Cited

Dumas, Alexander.The Count of Monte Christo.New York:Barnes and Nobles