The Count of Monte Cristo: Classic or Dud

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The trick the Comte played on Morrel, and his justification for it, was abominable.

Yeah it's true that a lot of the Count's behaviour is unforgiveable or baffling (especially to Mercedes!) and Dumas, by never commenting on it, seems to condone it. But D'Artagnan has similar issues -- as characters, they're both very "you can't make an omelette without breaking a few orphans and their extended families".

I guess it's either satisfying depth of character or storytelling inconsistency, depending on your patience.

I do love the supporting cast and the messy middle of the book, though. Dantes' absences from the narrative make his actual appearances much more exciting.

Chuck_Tatum, Monday, 7 February 2022 11:24 (two years ago) link

Caderousse is such a tragic but somehow still likeable putz

yes, from the moment he drunkenly refused to go along with the plot against edmond i was on his side, and disappointed when i learned of his recidivism!

ledge, Monday, 7 February 2022 11:28 (two years ago) link

and he's the only villain who begs for absolution

So who you gonna call? The martini police (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 7 February 2022 13:14 (two years ago) link

He's definitely the character I had the most (perhaps only!) emotional investment in -- I guess because he's the only character who seems reflective about what he's done? Dantes is like "Have I gone too far in my quest for vengeance? Nah, probably not."

Chuck_Tatum, Monday, 7 February 2022 13:28 (two years ago) link

is on TPTV as i type, the old man is just about to die in prison.

koogs, Wednesday, 9 February 2022 15:38 (two years ago) link


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