The Count of Monte Cristo

Le comte de Monte Cristo (The Count of Monte Cristo) is a classic adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas, père. It is often considered Dumas' best work, and is frequently included on lists of the best novels of all time. The writing of the work was completed in 1844, and released as an 18-part series over the next two years. Dumas collaborated with other authors in the writing.

Themes

The book has a rich and complex plot, with a multitude of characters. While it was written as popular fiction, this does not mean that it lacks meaning beyond the story. Most of the thematic concerns of the novel are centered around loyalty, revenge and subservience to God. Because of his trials, Dantès becomes completely obsessed with meting out justice. To those who have aided him, he becomes a guardian spirit. To those who have harmed him, he becomes God's avenging angel. Each person who has betrayed him is brought to justice in a way that mirrors the original betrayal. However, the first time an innocent bystander is harmed in the course of his revenge, he realizes that only God is capable of dispensing justice and he ceases his attempts at retribution.

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Some have argued that Dantès' advanced abilities make him a weaker written character in that his semi-divine perfection of purpose diminishes his own character development.

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