Welcome to the discussion THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

The characters remind us of people we know in politics, in our neighborhood and in our family. There is love and romance because what would life be without it?

We will be transported to a town in the South of France at the time of Napoleon. Marseille is the busiest seaport trading between Asia and Europe. A vast fortune is spent lavishly to avenge the wrongs committed to an innocent young man who was sent in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. We will learn about the history of France of that era and about aristocrats and the plebeians coming in conflict.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO has been an all time favorite to this day.

Please come and join us in this adventure. We will have a great time.

Eloïse

Welcome to those who have manifested a desire to participate. Welcome Annafair, Ginny, Ella, Faithr, Carolyn (Kiwi Lady) and welcome to those who will join us later. I am all excited about this book and Barnes and Nobles offers it at a fantastic low price. There is the long version and the abbridged version and you can choose either version.

Eloïse

Welcome Ginny, we should have a lot to talk about in discussing this book, Napoleon and the King of France conspiracy.

An interesting link on FRENCH ROYALTY

Scroll down to Louis XV111, it will take you to a graphic on his genealogy.

Eloïse

Eloise: I bought the Penquin edition of this novel yesterday. Talk about value for money! 1300 pages for $Can. 19.50! Who could resist it? Especially a lover of huge Victorian novels and of France, such as I!. Hope this one goes. Thank you for the link to French Royalty. Will follow up.

Pamelam, Welcome, welcome again. I am thrilled to have you on board. I am reading the long version in French. What an author this Alexandre Dumas père was. This book is a non stop adventure and intrigue leaves panting to know what will happen next.

We will have a great time and I will learn a lot about history also.

There is the movie that I saw a while back, about a year or so, but after I finish the book next week, I will rent the movie in French. It will be a great complement to the book. I know they made one in English and I will try and see that one too.

What great fun we will have.

Eloïse

My book is more than half way through and I am enjoying the variety of plots that move us to more and more exciting areas in the Mediterranean area. We will see our hero changing faces and demeanor trying things out and satisfy his demands for justice.

If you are interested in reading this book, I would urge you to post your intention soon as the month of March is fast approaching. Pameleon has posted her intention and we will be so happy to have a few more for a quorum in order to make it a go.

Eloïse

Ain't that a fine how do you do?

I ordered the book (I thought) from amazon .com because I had a gift certificate from there. It said that the book had illustrations in it. Guess what? The bloody, damned thing is a comic book. ahahah, no wonder it was so danged cheap! It is a Classics Illustrated by Berkley Publications and is roughly 50 pages long. I wrote to the "sender" and she told me to send it back and she would credit me with the book and half of the postage. I wonder if it will be worth our while if I kept it. I'm off tomorrow to see if I can get the book at the local Library.

Alf, no wonder you are upset about it. I guess they made a comic book out of the adventures that happened in the book. I never saw that but of course I don't look in the comic book section in book stores. One thing, why did you say the book had illustrations? I hope your library has the book because in Montreal, they had it in French and English in both the short and long versions. The libraries near my home has only a small section reserved for books in English, but in the West side of the city, they might have it in English.

I love the excitement and the fast pace of it.

Eloïse

Eloise

We have both versions here-long and short- in downtown Gahanna, at the library, of course. Here's a nice link to your author: Dumas My gosh, all of his books are right there to read-on that site!! Whoa!!

. Hey, Alf, I would keep that just for the fun of having it around for the discussion. That's how I became acquainted with many of the classics when I was in elementary school. Back in the good ole' days. :<)

I just returned from the DUMAS link Ann and thanks so much. I know once I had a copy of this book but frankly my house is such a mess I have given up hope of finding it ..plus I have given my youngest all of my Harvard Classics plus a another set of classics I purchased over the years..BUT I am sure my library has it and now with it on line how can I say I cant participate...LOL so yes I will be here even if I only read i t on line...anna

Ann, does that mean that you will participate? I do hope so very much. Be prepared to read a lot of French personality traits in this discussion. Alexandre Dumas is quite an author. I will go to the online version now to see how the translation is, just for the fun of it, but we will stay with the story itself, not the intricacies of translation. That should give us enough to chew on.

Anna, I am so happy to have you on board. It is great fun. I have a close friend who was born and raised in Paris and when i mentioned The Count of Monte Cristo, she laughed and said, of course, we all read that in school. It was compulsory reading.

Eloïse

You know it has been so many years I cant recall what books etc we had to read..all I do recall was my English teachers were always surprised when they asked what were we reading..out side of assignments. Since my mother never limited my reading I read a lot..and some I re read years later and found with an adult understanding deeper meanings than my youthful mind ........and it made the reading better since knowing more I understood it better..perhaps reading THE COUNT will do the same. I am sure to say I DONT REMEMBER THAT but I also feel I will say OH yes I understand now...anna

BIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDRE DUMAS

His paternal grandmother was an African American slave. His lifestyle was extravagant and he lived several of the adventures he wrote about in his books. He owned a Château named Monte Cristo near Paris after making a fortune with his novels. He was the author of "The Three Musketeers" no less.

How about that for a start. I love to know about the life of an author.

Eloïse

The author was as adventurous as his characters and I am amazed that he can describe each one so well giving each of them their unique personality.

The protagonist, Edmond Dantes at the beginning seemed to me to be just another young man pursuing his ambitions feeling confident that he would not encounter difficulties on the road to success. He was handsome, young and trusting but events altered his course in a most dramatic way shattering all his dreams.

Dumas's imagery is superb. He touches the reader with good description of characters of situations that brings you to want to know more.

We will have a pleasant trip reading this book together. I am so looking forward to sharing our thoughts.

Eloïse

Thank you Eloise for the link to the Dumas Biography. I enjoyed it and ole alex sure enjoyed himself didn't he? (The little devil! ) I loved the description of all the money he made, he spent it on friends, partying and mistresses. I'm surprised he lived as long as he did under those conditions.

I will pick up my copy at the library..finally enrolled in the web site program and ordered the book ..it is at another location and will be at the one nearest me on Tues...looking forward to being here MARCH 1 and especially if our winter weather takes a hike...anna

Alf, yes, he was all that and much more. What surprised me is that he was of mixed blood. I never read that before. His portraits don't reveal that. We are going to read about intrigues whispered in aristocratic circles while going from one 'loge' to the other at the opera. Gossip between the rich and famous. We would think we are reading about Hollywood stars or even about 20th century royalty.

Anna, I am planning to get the movie and watch it again to see how true to the book it is. I know we have the French version where I live, but the English version might be in the other end of the city where they live. You know Montreal is like that don't you. Interesting though. I love that bicultural aspect of Montreal.

I have found several links and they will be in the heading soon.

For those who are still undecided to participate, I recommend that they get the book and start reading it. It is pack full of surprises.

Eloïse

Come one, come all! This is a fabulous book. I've read about 160 pages and I love this story. I can't believe I've never read this before. When I was talking on the phone with my daughter today about books (what else) I told her how wonderful I thought this book was and she said "Well gee mom, come on it's a 100 yr. old classic." Well, duh, Staci, so it is. I love the narrative of this novel and Lord knows human nature has not come very far since that time-- now have we?

Alf, Old classics often become forgotten in libraries, when I read The Count of Monte Cristo as a young girl, I didn't see what I read today in the book.

The narration is in a style that is no longer 'à la mode', but we soon forget that to concentrate on the story. This prison in France around 1825 is more like a dungeon of medieval times if you compare it with today's prison which are more like a luxury hotel.

The following are the names of those who said that they were interested in participating in this discussion.

Annafair, Ginny, Elle Gibbons, Faithr, Carolyn Andersen, Kiwi Lady, Pamelam, Alf, Ann Alden.

Thank you all for joining me here and in March we will be traveling in France and reading about the ordinary people living an extraordinary life.

Eloïse

Eloise, this prison reminded me of the story of Papillion (the butterfly) who escaped. Do you remember that one?

Yes, Alf. I was just as enthusiastic about Papillon as I am about The Count. But Papillon's story is almost entirely about his life in prison and his escape, The Count is about revenge in post monarchic France. No less gripping and just as good literature. Alexandre Dumas is also well know for his swashbuckling Three Muskateers.

Eloïse

- is revenge!

Alf, Do people really find pleasure in revenge I wonder. In any case we will find out if our hero finds pleasure in it in the end.

I am just so anxious for March 1st so we can start talking about The Count Of Monte Cristo. I am wondering as I read this in French if people conversed like that on a daily basis. If they did, I admire the quality of the language.

Please don't get discouraged if one character's sentence runs for several lines. That is what I love about it, the author leaves no stone unturned. He explains the surroundings in detail while he describes the characters' thoughts. It is uncanny and it makes situations more alive as if you are right there in the room with them, even in prison. Oui.

Eloïse

Also cant beleive when I went to the library today my book wasnt in..but the kind young man in that department checked again and he tells me it will be available tomorrow. I wonder if it is required reading since they have several in this facility and all were checked out. He was very surprised..but mine is coming from another area of town. How wonderful that is ..instead of driving about ten miles round trip I can go about 4 miles round trip and get my book.. and I did read this once so I am curious about how much I recall. I do know many of the books I read when I was young upon re reading them I got so much more out of them. Le miserables was one..I truly disliked it when in high school and when I reread it about 20 years ago I found it to be such a good book..Sometimes I think you need to read a book several times to get all there is in the book and then you may miss something.. which is why discussions are important. Everyone will find something different and that helps to understand a book. counting the days..anna

I have started reading The Count of Monte Cristo. What a good story. I am only at the beginning where Dantes is thrown into prison and than the dungeon. Already, I am finding the book hard to put down. Dantes seems like such a humble young man. Why do bad things happen to good people? Anyway, I am excited about the adventure. I will be on the sidelines following all of the posts. I make a good lurker. Looking forward to my first Alexandre Dumas book.

Annafair, I had to buy a new book as compared with usually when I find it in used book stores. But the English version would be a bit hard to find, but I expect I will find it. In libraries around here, they don't have it in English. In Quebec, you have to deal with two languages all the time.

Hats How nice to see you here, Please please come in and say what you think about this French classic. In France they only read that in school, because they feel it is too passé. But I am still a naïve senior and still gush over old classics.

Eloïse

I now hold my copy ...It was so tempting when I returned to the car to open it and read a few words..but my day was full of errands that needed to be done so I just brought it home...and will treat myself this weekend..REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS...anna

Good morning, bonjour my friends.

I have fun reading both versions these days and I am trying to see the differences in style through the language. The Count of Monte Cristo in French has that literary style popular in the 19th century when it was written. Sentences are long and detailed and I don't know if it is a French personality trait or not.

This will be a great adventure in itself and we will be easily carried into the lives of the characters in this novel.

Ginny, I know how busy you are and if you have a chance to drop in, we will be so happy to read your fabulous and amusing comments.

Anna, did you get to start the book this weekend? I am getting ready to roll in one short week from now. Lots to discuss in this book. I will learn so much from all of you.

Love, Eloïse

In my Bantam hardcover book..wonder how old this is..the pages are all yellowed and instead of the softcover it has a hardback..it hasnt reminded me of my past reading..except I have a sense of deja vue ........we will see but I am already asking questions in my mind..anna

Ginny, The hero is not just a little sailor having a nightmare don't you think. Once you get into it, there is no let up. Oh! if we could only read it in French, but we are not and we will enjoy it because I am reading it in English now and it is an excellent translation.

Edmond Dantes, when he came out of prison, had been a student of the best teacher of his time. No trace of his low birth ever transpired. He was apparently extremely bright to be capable of acquiring an education far superior than one he could have gotten in school.

It is a story that you want to believe. It is so well written, that the plot becomes secondary to the literature.

Anna, when I started to read in English I was about 17 and I chose a book that looked very used because I thought if it looks so worn out, it must be a good read. It was Summerset Maughan's Razor's Edge.

Eloïse

I sent an email to you but it was returned with "recipient doesn't exist" noted on it. What's up, is your mailbox full?? Or do you need to let your mail processor who you will accept from?

Anyhoo, I finally got the book yesterday and will try to start it today. I am also reading and hope to discuss another plus am ambling through a mystery. See you on Monday!

I will be honest here, folks, my copy is fairly new and just a big fat paperback but that's all I can handle for now. It will still be a good read!

Ann, I didn't want to say that my mail will be in transit as I am switching over to a wireless today. It's only for a day so I didn't think it would be missed but sorry about that. I don't know yet if I will be able to keep my old address, I will know today for sure. If not I will have to change all my email addresses.

Thanks for letting me know. So happy that you are here, I am biting my nails with this book. Excitment galore.

Eloïse

Ann, my email was restored with the same address. It was not operating for 24 hours, but it is now back to normal.

Looking forward to seeing everybody on Monday.

Eloïse

do not know if I can keep up - I've a lot on my plate just now till March 9 but I remember reading this book back when I was a kid, seventh or eighth grade - right off Dumas describes characters full of energy and then quickly works in the sense of mystery so that you are afraid of every shadow as you read - what a page turner this story was as most of his books are page turners.

Barbara!!! What a nice surprise this morning. If you read the book then you will know what to say. We certainly would love to see you even if it is after the 9th. Another valuable participant has also said that she would come in after the 9th. We will keep the fires burning. Won't we?

Tomorrow we will start with a bang and I am just rearing to go. I am learning about what I didn't learn as a child about French history of that time, or don't remember it. Just the same, it's much more fun to learn on Seniornet because you have such interesting people who are willing and able to share their vast knowledge.

See you all tomorrow?

Eloïse

OH dear. I just sold the copy I had of the Count of Monte Cristo. Oh well it was an old old old book anyway. I shall get another copy from Amazon. I certainly will enjoy reading it again and having this discussion if I may join in. Babs

Babs, welcome my dear. Yes it will be lots of fun reading it again. It is an old old epic story, sometimes like a fairy tale don't you think? We will enjoy discussing it I am sure.

Eloïse

Eloise the best thing about SN is being able to discuss a book you are reading with friends...When in school I dont remember doing that...in class yes, later as we moved around with the AF I met women like me who loved to read and discuss what we read with others.

Once we left that part of our lives behind I found myself a lonely reader again. My children were great readers but not the books I wanted to read..and my husband was a reader but preferred technical books...so there I was reading and yearning to discuss with someone what I was reading...and along came SN ...you have no idea how much I appreciate the opportunity to share here with other readers..IT is a precious gift ...and I treasure it ....anna

ELOISE; thank you dear Lady. Yes, I really loved the book and will enjoy discussing it here. Babs

So good to see again, I feel you will like Count of Monte Cristo.

Welcome to the discussion The Count of Monte Cristo. Together we will examine not only the life of Edmond Dantes, but also we will learn from each other about France during this country’s transition from a Monarchy to a Republic in the Napoleonic era.

We will see a young sailor rise to the challenges of being a forgotten prisoner in a dungeon to become a respected and wealthy Aristocrat. We will witness the struggles of the nobility as they try to form alliances in order to keep their standing in society. We will watch the struggles of the Royalists to keep the Monarchy alive after the revolution.

This book, written in the1830s by Alexandre Dumas, was inspired in part by his travels in Italy, in the South of France and he chose l’abbé Faria, who really existed, as one of his characters. The Count of Monte Cristo is a novel of adventure where Dumas makes the most of his literary resources in popular literature. Dumas makes the reader penetrate the world of finance and speculation, in the haunted spheres of banking in a society passionate for money. Dumas decorates his story with as much detail as the situation demands with the flowery language in vogue at that time. Dumas builds a complex intrigue where his characters’ motives and personality are exploited to the limit.

Eloïse

Ginger my dear. Welcome, If I remember you have French ancestors and you probably read The Count before or seen the movie. Welcome to you.

Our hero, a young handsome sailor had no other ambition in life than becoming the Captain of his ship, which was happily indulging in contraband activities, but instead of marrying his sweetheart Edmond Dantes is arrested for treason.

Was the proof of his treason good enough to send the poor Edmond to prison for life?

Eloïse

ELOISE; having read the book and seen the movie several times over. I cannot see why he was sent to prison, save Jealous being the main reason coupled with the thought that a mans father would be in jeopardy if the truth became known.There is a lot to read and learn in the book, and Of course I shall enjoy it all.

GINGER; good seeing you, now I have found something I can really enjoy.Babs

Thanks you for the welcome to the Count of Monte Cristo. My Grandfather was French and yes I have seen the movie but have forgotten most of it.
Babs, Good for you gal finding some thing you can enjoy. Will be expecialy watching for your posts.
Ginger

I am not sure where I am regarding the page but here was a young man ( very young) who was ambitious but not to the point of being dishonest nor of ignoring a dying man's wish..who has the love of an honorable woman and almost immediately ( is my book abridged?) he is thrown in prison because he was trying to abide by the request of a dying comrade...by an unscruplous man ..I would place an Irish pox (the very worst kind ) on the scoundrel Villefort...Dumas wastes no time does he getting the reader involved...back to my reading...I have worked in the yard this am and saw a ROBIN..almost 5 weeks later than in past years but he was there on my front lawn...anna

Hi! Ginger, Yes, I remember you told me that your grand father was French. This discussion will bring you to the land of your ancestors. Isn't that lovely, stay with us.

Babs and Anna: The questions you raised are very important for the plot to be understood and I am glad you mentioned that. Dumas makes life difficult for us. I will try and put what I understood in another way.

"Captain Leclère dies at sea, Dantes gives him a burial at sea but before he dies, he gave Dantes a parcel that he was to deliver on the Island of Elba where Napoleon was in exile at the time. Dantes goes to Elba and while delivering the parcel, he meets with the Emperor Napoleon who remembers Morrel's uncle who had served under him in some battle. Danglars who is very jealous of Dantes sees his chances of putting doubts into the mind of Morrel as to Edmond Dantes's integrity and honesty because he (Danglars) wants Dantes' job. He insinuates to Morrel that there was a letter also that accompanied the parcel to be handed out to Napoleon's aide, Marshall Bertrand, even if there was no such letter because Danglars saw his opportunity to have Dantes eventually arrested for treason."

Watch out for that inexistent letter, it is the clue to the whole plot. Remember it when you read further. That letter will go a long way. The 'Emperor' is Napoleon of course and the plot revolves around a conspiracy to overthrow the government.

It is in the first chapter of the book. I hope that it clarifies that part now.

Eloïse

I may never make it to the land of my ancestors but knowing you and hearing you sing La Vie En Rose as only the French can do but I have put my feet on the land of France and seen some of the important to me farms and homes, oh what a beautiful land to come from. I am intending to stay with this Count of Monte Cristo discussion.

ELOISE; my word. I never spotted that part.. reference a letter. I had thought the parcel was what Dangler meant.I must have been missing a lot in both the movie and the book, as I though Dangler is the Banker. Guess eventually he is. Boy I really have to read more carefully don"t I... Now don't answer that. Babs

Before the end of page two, Monsieur Danglars rears his ugly head when Morell proudly compliments Dantes. I think we’re in for quite a ride with Monsieur Danglars, who seems hell bent on showing his resentment and bitterness to this fine chap. Dantes is polite, industrious, loyal and accommodating to all. The crew loves him and so do I. He adores his father and shows his genuine concern for the old gent. Great words of wisdom come from him.

“More lips that say one thing while the heart thinks another” and “we’re never quits with those who have done us a favor.” That shows such character to me.

Babs, I tend to read in diagonal too and sometimes skip a word or two which then becomes an important part of the story. Especially Dumas as he tends to hint at something rather than describe it in detail leaving us to decipher the meaning.

Alf, if you remember Danglars was the clerk on that ship, or something similar and he resented Edmond who was a very lieable fellow.

Poor naive Edmond who never hurt a fly in his life. How do you suppose he will fall pray to devious, cunning Danglars?

Eloïse

here is the translated from France link to the vineyard that still produces the wine La Malgue

this URL is so long it will not all become a link and you will have to copy and paste it in the address window...

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http/www.camargue.com.fr/vindessables/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DLa%2BMalgue%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG

Seems wild that these (boys) men in their twenties are prepareing to be the master or captain of a ship - having seen the new movie of O'Brian's sea tales those ships were awesome -

In the first chapter when the dock was crowded with people watching the ship come into port - reminded me how when I was a child we used to be so excited and anxious when someone was coming - we all waited out front and someone always ran to meet who ever was coming - if it was cold or night time we pressed our noses to the window like a watch in the crows nest high in the rigging of a ship we watched and waited for our visiter. Today folks do not wait like that - is it because we have so many other ways to communicate other than by mail and those all too infrequent visits. I even remember waiting for the mailman with as much high anxiety.

BARBARA; I still wait in anticipation for the mailman, hoping I will get something exciting.Would you say I am Juvenile or pephaps it is second childhood sneaking up on me. Babs

Ginger, Hahahaaa. He is a handsome fellow and with it he was as honest as the day is long, to make matters worse, for some, he was also trusting in everything, his sweetheart, his governments, his friends that he would never be disappointed. How wrong he was poor fellow. He doesn't suspect that he has a rival who also wants to marry the gorgeous Mercédès.

Barbara I remember seeing my mother off to Europe on the Homeric in the 50's and we were allowed to visit her cabin. I don't know if I would like a cruise on those huge Carnival cruise ships, but I would like a smaller one to across the Atlantic to visit my son.

I couldn't open up your link Barbara.

Babs No, no, we are never too old to be juvenile. I want to stay naive and trusting. I want to stay optimistic and confident of the future. I want to still have dreams and even have illusions. I love to read books that are somewhat on the fantastic and outlandish style like The Count of Monte Cristo.

We will visit the Tuileries where Louis the XV111 is now back on the throne after Napoleon's exile on the island of Elba between Corsica and Italy. As you know that island is where Dantes stopped on his way to Marseille to deliver a parcel, the plot thickens and soon all hopes will be dashed for poor Edmond.

How do you react to the personalities of Danglars, of Morrel, of Fernand?

Eloïse

How do you react to the personalities of Danglars, of Morrel, of Fernand?

Danglers=- avaricew,covetnous &a grievous nature.

Fernand= jealous and mean spirited.

Do I remember wrong that Danglers was supposed to be a friend to Dantes?? That's in the movie. Oh, and the letter?? I don't remember it being part of the movie either but I do remember reading about it in this book. So, it has a deep dark meaning?? I will wait and see!

LE CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES

Be sure to click on the thumbnails to see this most grandiose palace. I saw this such a long time ago that I had forgotten how rich and beautiful it is.

Eloïse

Alf, yes our Dumas describes his characters accurately doesn't he?

Ann, As the saying goes, "All is fair in love and war" and Fernand will do anything to take Mercédès away from Edmond.

But let us go ahead a bit and we find our hero in prison where he thinks his life is over. But smart as he is he soon finds a way to communicate with the one who will save his life. My, my, I have never been inside a prison, but this one gives me the creeps. I thought I would never see the end of Dantes' torments in prison.

Dumas usually calls his characters by their family name instead of their given name and without using 'Mister' like 'Danglars' 'Dantes' 'Caderousse', I find it odd that the author does this.

Eloïse

Hi: I'll be lurking for awhile until I get the book: meanwhile I'll try to keep up online. I read it as a child, and remember liking it a lot.

I'm addicted to the Master and Commander series (that the movie was made from) -- I'm now reading the 12th of the 20 books. It's interesting to read about (roughly) the same period in France. I don't imagine we will spend much time on shipboard though.

In the online version (which I assume is abridged) the characterizations are pretty simplistic. But it's nice to know who the villains are and hiss them from the beginning.

Joan Welcome, welcome. You read the book you said? great then you remember the important details and you have the online version in the meantime. You just raised an important question and I had to verify whether the online version was the unabridged one or not. I looked at one chapter and yes, I am sure that online version is unabridged. This translations is good and thorough, he tries his best at rendering the thought and language of the author, but it is still a translation and for me, I prefer the French version naturally.

I will be back with an example in both versions.

ELOISE: I have been reading the on line version as my order of the book had not yet come to hand. I found it very interesting, so much so, that I have not done much else. It seems to be more informative than the book I had preciously read. It goes into a lot of detail re the the Faria's ability to make items for use. I am very much afraid I will print it out and keep it for future reading. Babs

Chapter 8, first Paragraph

"The commissary of police, as he traversed the ante-chamber, made a sign to two gendarmes, who placed themselves one on Dantes' right and the other on his left. A door that communicated with the Palais de Justice was opened, and they went through a long range of gloomy corridors, whose appearance might have made even the boldest shudder. The Palais de Justice communicated with the prison, - a sombre edifice, that from its grated windows looks on the clock-tower of the Accoules. After numberless windings, Dantes saw a door with an iron wicket. The commissary took up an iron mallet and knocked thrice, every blow seeming to Dantes as if struck on his heart. The door opened, the two gendarmes gently pushed him forward, and the door closed with a loud sound behind him. The air he inhaled was no longer pure, but thick and mephitic, - he was in prison."

----------------

En traversant l'antichambre, le commissaire de police fit un signe à deux gendarmes, lequels se pacèrent l'un à droite l'autre à gauche de Dantès; on ouvrit une porte qui communiquait de l'appartement du procureur du roi au palais de justice, on suivit quelques temps un de ces grands corridors sombres qui font firssonner ceux-là qui y passent, quand même ils n'ont aucun motif de firssonner.

De même que l'appartement de Villefort communiquaît à la prison, sombre monument accolé au palais et que regarde curieusement, de toutes ses ouvertures béantes, le clocher des Accoules qui se dress devant lui.

Après nombre de détours dans le corridor qu'il suivait, Dantès vit s'ouvrir une porte avec un guichet de fer; le commissaire de police frappa, avec un marteau de fer, trois coups qui retentirent, pour Datès, comme s'ils étaient frappés sur son coeur; la porte s'ouvrit, les deux gendarmes poussèrent légèrement leur prisonnier, qui hésitait encore. Dantès franchit le seuil redoutable, et la porte se referma bruyamment derrière lui. Il respirait un autre air, un air méphitique et lourd; il était en prison.

In examining the translation more closely, now I do believe that the online was abridged. But I think it might be better this way. The French version has 926 pages and I think that the abridged version could be more readable.

Eloïse

Babs, Did you notice when Danglars wrote the letter incriminating Dantes in the tavern, he crumpled it and threw it in a corner pretending that it would be ignored while knowing very well that someone would pick it up? He knew very well the damage such a letter would do to incriminate Dantes. With him in prison, he could now aspire to become Captain of the ship.

Eloïse

ELOISE. yes I did notice the letter being thrown aside. But than I feel Dangler knew that it would be picked up , for why else would have gone through the trouble of writing it and than not sending it. I must say Dangler was very cunning. But i am sure Edmond will fix that one day. Babs

You'll never believe it. I am rummaging and packing today and turn on the TMC and Lo and behold they are showing The Count of Monte Cristo. I've never seen it before and I loved it. I don't have a clue who the actors were but I certainly enjoyed the film.

Alf! You had time to watch a movie while you are packing? I hope that you will still have access to a computer and have time to come here to chat with us. Moving is a big job. I moved last September and I am still getting settled. It might take a year altogether. Anyway, come back to us, we need you.

During this time in prison Edmond goes through all the emotions in the book. He even doubts his innocence and as a last resort he turns to God.

He hopes to be moved to another cell, to go out for a walk, to read a bood anything and in desperation that someone would listen to his demands for a retrial. After 5 years of solitary confinement, he hears a faint noise.

Where is Mercédès he asks himself and he is sure that she is still waiting for him. Do you think that she will?

Eloïse

Didn't Dumas do a superb job portraying young Edmond's innocence, anger and finally the killer emotion- revenge? You can see his transformation from a young innocent to a dogged, intractable man on a mission. How fortunate to have met his mentor at this particular time.

His "education" begins in many ways as he begins to understand the true reasons for his betrayal . His respect and admiration for the brilliant scholar , his fellow convict, is well placed.

Hi Eloise and All,

I liked reading the part that included the fellow jailer. Is resourceful the word? The fellow jailer, for years, had used everything available to survive. To me, he seemed awfully intelligent. He had a strong willpower. He was a man unwilling to give up and allow others to control his future. I hated to see him die. But then again, he used even his death to help Dantes.

At the same time, he was compassionate. He seemed so willing to share all that he had learned with Dantes. I don't think Dantes could have made it without the help of the fellow jailer. It just shows no man is an island. Everyone needs someone.

Alf, he was a "brilliant scholar."

Here is an interesting biography of ALEXANDRE DUMAS Père for your perusal.

Eloïse

Alf: Faria had been 12 years in prison when Dantes and he met. He offered a vast amount of money to his jailors who just discarded his offers as a desperate gesture from a mad man.It is quite fantastic that he could even make paper that he needed for his writing in his precarious condition, but he wrote a ‘Treaty on the Possible General Monarchy in Italy’ during his imprisonment and if Dantes was hell bent on revenge, Faria was past that stage. Revenge is also a motivation for survival it seems. Hope Dies Last as you say and that usually is enough for anyone to “hang in there”.

Hats L’Abbé Faria changed Dantes who was a pink cheeked naïve and simple sailor before his incarceration. Don’t you think that dramatic events in one’s life often provides unsuspected capabilities? During WW11, we have heard of so many acts of courage from ordinary people who had previously just been occupied with their daily routine. I believe that Dantes more than Faria, who had resigned himself more, had better chances to survive in spite of appearances. Of course he was very young and that makes all the difference.

Eloïse

What a fascinating story Beloved Faria relates to Dante`s as we learn of the hidden treasures. It’s fascinating to me that Dumas included “real” people here, in this tale, i.e. Cardinal Spada and Caesar Borgia. I read where Borgia, the plotter indeed did invite a Cardinal Adrein to attend a dinner at the Popes and the poisonous wine carafe meant for his consumption was mistakenly switched and served to Pope Alex VI, Caesar and another in attendance (I don’t remember who that was.) The Pope died and Caesar was bedridden as his skin “sloughed” away. What two lovelies we meet here, Borgia needing money for land purchase and the Pope to dispense with the king of France, Louis XII. Is this really the way that cardinals and positions were chosen?

Are we to assume that Spada’s nephew was in on the murder plot of his Uncle?

I loved the mystery surrounding this and how Faria finally brought the truth to light that had evaded everyone else’s attention.

I just watched The Count of Monte Cristo the English version. They have altered the plot somewhat to include swashbuckling episodes which the book does not mention, unless I missed it. I have seen the French version with Gérard Depardieu. and it was good.

Reading French history a long time ago, I can assure you that the Pope, the Kings of France and Italy and Spain formed a tight alliance for a a few centuries, just as the Anglican church is very much present in the British Monarchy. Napoleon himself was crowed emperor by the Pope. Not only did he seek the pope's approval of that but he also was able to divorce Josephine because she couldn't bear him a child.

In his 14 years in prison, Dantes became a mature man wise beyond his years, still do you think he could reconnect with his old enemies without being recognized? Can a man change that much?

Alf, I think that Dumas was an amateur historian to include real people in his novel, he has Dantes meeting with Napoleon on the isle of Elba and they exchanged more than just words.

Eloïse

Alf, Dumas's Father was an aristocrat and his mother Afro Carrabean. His father must have been ostracized by this because at that time, people were not tolerant towards people with mixed blood even if they were aristocrats. He made his fortune writing historical novels. and "With the money earned from his writings, he built a fantastic château Montecristo on the outskirts of Paris.

It is interesting how he incorporates real people in his story and how they interacted with the fictitious characters. Dumas, was shall we say, is as flamboyant in his writings as he was in real life.

Eloïse

Thank you for reminding me of that. Yes, it makes sense doesn't it, particularly the way he writes of the "more priviledged" shall we say?

Yoohoo, anybody else here? Ok- Eloise let's escape off of this bloody island today and "swim" to shore.

Oh no, let's first discuss this affliction of our beloved Faria, shall we? Was this epilepsy that he was describing? Some of the symptoms fit but others were a bit extreme. "His father died after his third seizure."

Alf, Thank you for your fidelity. AhHaHa. I wonder too where everybody is, Anna, Babs, Hats, Ann. Have they read more of this fantastic book? Let's call them up and see.

Father Faria left Dantes a fortune not only in wealth, but in knowledge. BUT he made Dantes promise that he never use his wealth toward evil of any kind, which is kind of hard to do when your whole existence will be spent on REVENGE.

In the movie, Father Faria is did not die of seizure, but of something that fell on him. Dumas took quite a bit of liberties with the story, but he is forgiven.

Alf, how do you find the translator's style of writing? I find it a bit awkward, but English is not my first language. Is it old fashioned.

Eloïse

I am here, just reading more and more and more. Babs

Folds, my computer has a bit of a problem, sorry about the repeated posts, I will call upon my guru and see what he can diagnose. Oh! I hope it's not serious.

Eloïse

I'm here too. I've finally got caught up. I find I can't sit for as long reading online as I can with a book.

I'm enjoying it thoroughly. The illness did seem a bit forced. Interesting that after all that work figuring out which way they should dig, his final escape didn't use the escape tunnels.

For someone as good as Dante is portrayed in the beginning, he certainly attracted an awful lot of hatred. Dumas on the whole gives us a very negative picture of the people of his times. There are a few almost angelic people, and everyone else is BAD. We have become unused to this kind of writing. Modern novels don't have this strong sense of good and evil.

Trivial point: I was very amused that Dumas' description of the people at the beginning often included a description of the socks they were wearing: made in England and with colored "clocks".(the inset in the heel). It started a whole discussion between me and my sister of why socks don't have clocks anymore, and of the Gilbert and Sullivan song where he dreams he is "in his shirt and his socks, the black silk with gold clocks, crossing Salisbury plain on a bicycle"

Joan, I tried to read online too, but what I find difficult is that this translator does not insert paragraphs. In my French version, there are a lot more and it makes it easier to read. I didn't notice what you mention about 'socks' and I had to look for 'clocks' in 'socks' in Google to know what they were. I never heard of that before.

Joan, did you read Dumas's bio in the link above. For me I always like to know something about an author when I read a book. Dumas had a very dissipated life and I always feel that no matter how much 'fiction' we are reading there is always an element of personal thoughts and feelings. Dumas seems to be depicting himself in here, the wild adventure, what he would like to have done, how he understand revenge.

I was amazed by how much a person can learn when they set their minds to it. Why would Edmond have the will to learn so much when he thought that he would never come out of prison. Prisoners, especially ones in Le Château d'If, would not have the incentive to study advanced education, not having the proper tools, nutrition, creature comfort etc. But I think fiction lets you get carried away with fantasy, with adventure through literature. It is like dreaming in a way, you know it can't be true, but even while you are dreaming, the events happening seem so REAL, so true and it doesn't matter in the end if it is real or not.

The part about digging the tunnel is always so riveting. So many tunnels have been dug in prisons and during WW11 miles and miles of tunnels must have been dug for escaping prison. How humans have capacities in times of crisis is overwhelming to me.

Eloïse

"Prisoners, especially ones in Le Château d'If, would not have the incentive to study advanced education, not having the proper tools, nutrition, creature comfort etc".

No, no, no. Drop into our Prison Education Initiative here on SeniorNet:

Ann Alden "---Prison Education Initiative" 3/6/04 6:04am

Ginny started that after we read the book "Couldn't Keep it to Myself" by Wally Lamb and prisoners at the York Correctional Facility. These prisoners attended a writing class run by Lamb. In many cases, they are using what they have learned in that and other classes to turn their lives around. Several of them have become tutors in literacy classes in the prison.

Most of these woman come from brutal backgrounds where they had few options but to strike back. When they are released with few job skills and a prison record, they have no future. Education is their main hope, and many know it.

We are searching now to see what SeniorNet can do to help. One proposal is to donate books to prison libraries. Come and join us, and give us your ideas.

Faria made certain that the lad's future was assured by teaching him as he did and by giving him the location of the treasures. I see in the heading that we were to read Chatpers 1 to 20 , at which time we were to discuss the escape and the treasure. The escape, in my book, takes place in Chater 12 so I had better wait and follow your lead, Eloise.

Joan, I would love to join you in th Prison discussion if only I had the time, but I don't unfortunately.

You are right, extreme courage is often expected of those who are in extreme situations and prison would bring out the courage to surmount them no doubt. Dantes, between bouts of discouragement was haunted by words of Father Faria who taught him never to give up hope:

"Often in prison Faria had said to him, when he saw him idle and inactive, "Dantes, you must not give way to this listlessness; you will be drowned if you seek to escape, and your strength has not been properly exercised and prepared for exertion."

Alf, as we are beginning the second week, we have to move on and now our Edmond has been thrown inside a burial sac over the cliff into the sea. Holding his breath, be sets himself free and that becomes he start of his now life as "The Count of Monte Cristo" where his education by Father Faria was going to be put to good use.

Father Faria did not only teach him philosophy, economics, languages and physics but also he asked him not to use his fortune for evil purposes. Before he died, he made Dantes promise not to commit a crime because money certainly corrupts and Dantes will be hard pressed to find out how to avenge himself without committing a crime.

Eloïse

He was young and fortunate enough to have studied the sea while he made earlier voyages. This brought him to the Isle of Tiboulen for refuge beneath an overhanging rock. Here, he takes on the guise of a stranded Maltese sailor, after witnessing four men killed in terrible storm and swims for safety to a Genoese tartan, from Marseilles.

Ah, what now is in store for our sailor boy with a six-inch beard and hair a foot long?

Alf, Dantes recuperated from his ordeal, sailing the Mediterranean sea as a smuggler and during that time he was making plans for the future. Upon arriving at Marseilles, Edmond dressed himself as a priest, went to the ‘auberge’ to visit his father’s old neighbor Caderousse who told Edmond what went on after he was sent to prison. He told Dantes about his father who starved to death, about Mercédès, Villefort, Danglars and more importantly about his closest friend Fernand. In exchange for all this precious information Caderousse received a large diamond.

Dantes elaborates an intricate plan. He wanted to first learn exactly who was responsible for his arrest, then he carefully questions Caderousse and Morrel before generously rewarding them for their support and for trying to help him after he was arrested.

Let’s see what plans he has for Danglars, Fernand, Villefort and Mercédès.

During political unrest as after the French revolution, smuggling was a common practice as the new regime was not entirely in good working condition. The authorities had other fish to fry so to speak trying to adjust to life after Napoleon was sent to exile on the island of Elba and the Monarchy was reinstated.

Treason is only a matter of timing. With Bonaparte in power the Aristocrats were suspected of treason, with the King in power, it was the other way around.

Eloïse

I cant believe all the trouble I have been having with my computer, with my connection to the internet, with , with , with so many things each day I set aside time to read my book but when I do that I am so weary with all the talking and talking and talking to verizon support, I have no energy to do something for me...Dantes has now made acquaintence with faria and so this evening I am hoping to become closer to where everyone is....OH Thanks thanks for the link to Versailles ..it has been 45 years since we were there..we have some wonderful slides we took there and some pictures as well. In the hall of mirrors one of my pictures showed the mirrors reflecting different images ..I recall it took us some minutes to understand what we were looking at...hope to catch up soon..anna

Anna, Hi! how is your computer running now? Yesterday mine was out almost all day, apparently it was a local problem affecting all of Montreal. We have only two providers here. I was not the only one who was without the internet believe me. Tell us what you remember about Versailles? I saw it in the 70's. It is beautiful beyond description.

Question 9

After the French revolution, Aristocrats were still verifying if a person's title was genuine and where that person originated from. Do you believe that nobility was still that important to their social standing?

Albert's friend Franz wants to know who this Count of Monte Cristo is and the first thing he asks is "From which country is he? Which language does he speak?... What are his means of existence?" He wants to know and I am only guessing is because should he treat him as an Aristocrat, or a 'nouveau riche' which is not quite as worthy in Franz's eyes. But Albert trusts The Count entirely because he 'saved' him from the bandit Vampa. Don't you like this fellow Albert, even if he is a bit of a spoil child? Of course he is barely 16.

What do you think of this episode with "Sinbad the Sailor" and the cave turned into a secret palace?

Eloïse

dear eloise and other stalwarts of "the count",

i had so looked forward to participating in this discussion but can now see it's not going to happen. i try to keep my promises, most especially to friends like you, but have also learned in my old age to recognize a bind when i see one.

my cast is now off my arm and i have so many things to do in preparing for my three family members and their friend arriving next week. to top it off my car papers and passport and driver's license fell out of my not-deep-enough coat pocket yesterday in the taxi i took to the fourrière to get my towed-away car.

excuses don't matter. promises do. please forgive me.

one comment about the "aristocracy" in france today. you may know there is a weekly magazine devoted to them. it's called "point de vue" and is so much fun to read and see glam shots on their gatherings. la contesse de paris, mother of many, died last year at the age of 100. there is an interesting article on their ancient, often opulent history which is featured each week. my neighbor shares hers with me and i cannot resist at least a glance!

grosses bises.

Fairwinds, i am always happy to read you even though I am disappointed that you will not join us in The Count. It's good to hear also that your cast is off your arm. How do you ever manage your daily tasks with a cast I wonder. I can't imagine getting dressed to go out in winter with an arm cast. Poor you. Your passport, driver's licence fell out of your pocket? Oh! that is dreadful with the red tape you will have to go through in France and in the US too. Take good care my friend and I will see you in "France". I will look for "Le Point de Vue" magazine in Google and see what I can come up with.

My aunt Annette married a Count in the 20s. Henri De Jocas, he was from Aix en Provence, if I remember. He was almost twice my aunt's age when he met her in Winnipeg. No, he did not have a 'fortune' but he had some land.

Alf, Anna, and everyone. Shall we go and find out what our dear Edmond Aka Count of Monte Cristo is doing

Fairwinds, I will look for "Le Point de Vue" magazine in Google and see what I can come up with.

Eloïse

eloise -- as always, your gracious self shines through.

i looked up several pages of google regarding "point de vue" and found nothing...perhaps because it is such a commonly used phrase. if you are in contact with your sisters on vacation, perhaps they could bring an issue back to you. i am told the journals tend to disappear from the news stands as soon as they appear on tuesdays.

bon continuation!

Fairwinds: Is this the Point de Vue you are talking about? I found it by typing "point de vue magazine" in Google. POINT DE VUE

People are always interested in the lives of the Rich and Famous and the Aristocrats were no exception. Princess Charlotte is a beauty isn't she. I had not seen a picture of her before.

I got a letter from my friend in Menton and she was just tempting me with all her news about la Côte d'Azur where our story takes place. When i read The Count of Monte Crist I am immediately transported there where the air is so crisp and pure and the sun always shining, the sea this wonderful emerald color and the FOOD !!!!!!!! so delectable.

Eloïse

Since I had to take a member of my church to several doctor appointments I carried along my copy of the Count and read it there. I am not sure just where I am but have found one reason I was having a hard time reading it ..is my copy. It is a bantam book..looks very old ..the pages are so yellowed they look as if they were soaked in a tincture of tobbaco juice and the print has also changed color from what I assume was bold black to a deep brown..the print is small and crowded and I find it is straining my eyes to read but the light in the offices was light and it helped it was daytime as well. At one appointment I just stayed in the car and read. It was rainy and cold outdoors and I didnt want to try to run between the raindrops to get to the office. A good place to read though!!!!

I have found this an interesting book but when I read it I feel Dumas has given Dantes (note the same initial to start the last name?) the character he would like to be..his alter ego...what a heroic fellow Dantes is ..and in the most difficult places with rudimentary equipment he has learned to speak 5 languages fluently, he has managed to overcome grave imprisonment and now is punishing those who put him there. Cleverly so as not to be caught....and he is pictured as being handsome as well.. and the treasure has made him rich beyond measure...

The style of writing is no longer seen I think..it is full of description and Dumas tells you up front Dantes will see that the good are rewarded and bad punished...I have yet to reach the end..but I havent peeked ..which tells me the story is holding my attention...so back to my reading...anna

I've been gone for a few days but have now returned. I reread the chapters and absolutely love this writing style. Dumas just carries you right along with "the count" and his kindness towards Morrell and his family and then on to seek revenge and wreck havoc on the others. His plans were so well thought out and executed, you can't help but cheer him on, can you?

Didn't you love the reaction that Franz and Albert initially had when they witnessed the opulence of the Count's residence in the hotel?

My book, too, is A Bantam Classic edition, translated and abridged by Lowell Bair.

What do you think about the bandit, Vampa reading "Caesar's Commentaries" , so earnestly?

eloise -- that particular clickable seems to be a homepage of a teenager but one of the photos is of the "point de vue" cover. the homepage doesn't do justice to the magazine which is great fun to read.

Anna, you are right. Dumas wrote about his alter ego I am quite sure of that too as we see in his biography in the link above.

"Dumas lived as adventurously as the heroes of his books. He took part in the revolution of July 1830, caught cholera during the epidemic of 1832, and traveled in Italy to recuperate. He married his mistress Ida Ferrier, an actress, in 1840, but he soon separated after having spent her entire dowry. With the money earned from his writings, he built a fantastic château Montecristo on the outskirts of Paris. In 1851 Dumas escaped his creditors (went to) - his country house, the Chateau de Monte Cristo. Dumas spent two years in exile in Brussels (1855-57), and then returned to Paris. In 1858 he traveled to Russia and in 1860 he went to Italy, where he supported Garibaldi and Italy's struggle for independence (1860-64). He then remained in Naples as a keeper of the museums for four years. After his return to France his debts continued to mount."

To me he sounds like if he never grew up. Fortunately he was an excellent writer. You must read it in French to really appreciate why his books are still popular.

Alf, Right and I can read The Count over twice and I don't get tired of it. Throughout the book Dumas is dropping names and in his biography we note that he was quite familiar with Aristocracy’s foibles, still he tries to stay within moral codes, not arriving at too quick a solution to satisfy the Count's vengeance goals.

"Dumas worked as a notary's clerk and went in 1823 to Paris to find work. Due to his elegant handwriting he secured a position with the Duc d'Orléans - later King Louis Philippe.”

We must watch the Count’s relationship with Albert who is after all only a 16 years old teen by our standards. It seems that people matured much earlier in those days. Now at 16, kids are barely finishing high school and they are still kids.

Chapter 41,

The Count will finally meet his Mercédès, married to his arch enemy Fernand. His resentment went up a few notches upon learning this as he had hoped she would wait for him all those 14 years. He still loved her even if he must have known that a young beautiful woman cannot wait forever for a man no matter how much she loved him. In chapter 39 she meets Edmond and of course she recognizes him. It seems that she is the only one who does. Mr. Morrel didn’t.

Eloïse

Fairwinds, I see. I went back to Google and found

ANOTHER LINK TO THE POINT DE VUE MAGAZINE (click on Les Numéros Précédents)

and I was surprised to see find out that Caroline's two children have all grown up and have become France's new idols, Prince Andrea and Princess Charlotte of Monaco, both so gorgeous. I was in Monaco about 10 years ago and my brother and I went to a concert in the small chapel on a small street next to the palace and Princess Caroline walked in.

Eloïse

My copy of The Count has finally arrived (Amazon let me down. usually they are quicker) and I don't have to read it online anymore!!!! What a difference!! It's unabridged (Penguin classic) and I was a little daunted when I saw it's 1244 pages. But it is SO much better than the abridged version. I stayed up half the night, because I couldn't put it down. The scenes really come alive. I love the constant turns and twists of scene and character --- you never know where and with who you are going next.

I'm really glad that I wasn't a woman in that society. The way they're treated. The woman whose bandit lover kills her because she has been defiled, and her father thanks him. And the Greek slave. She isn't a slave anymore by French law, but the Count makes sure that no one tells her!!!

I really don't like the Count. He is too much the benevelant dictator for me. What do you think of the scene where he says he really doesn't care for his neighbor, since his neighbor doesn't care about him. And Albert accuses him of bragging about a vice that he doesn't have.

And his watching executions, to see how men die. Brrrr. Part of me can understand why he wants those who made him suffer for years suffer for years rather than die slowly. But I can't approve. Especially since it looks like he will take his revenge through Albert, who didn't do anything to him and is an inoffensive, though rather foolish and spoiled, young man.

JoanK- I still find him likeable even with his revengeful soul peeking through at all times. His anger will get the better of him but we must remember how many agonizing years he spent plotting how best to "get" these people who utterly stole his life from him. I, quite honestly, understand where he's coming from.

ALF: so do I, understand where he is coming from. But I must also say. he is very generous and doesn't look for enemies. I firmly believe he was taught well while in prison and it shows in so many ways, as the book unfolds.

ELOISE-Of course I read "The Count of Monte Christo" at school but that was a long time ago. Have read all the posts from No l and trying to recall the story. Time permitting me to sit and read, will find it online and follow the discussion. Like Ginger- I have a very real picture of you singing that French song in Calgary and a very real interest in French history. You may not remember, but I did ask you if you knew the history of Villeneuve (Admiral). Believe he had a daughter who went to England. Not sure whether topost this here or elsewhere. Keep on Eloise- I will be reading Junee

JoanK,

The Count is showing his dark side as he is trying to elaborate plans for his revenge doesn't he. Secretly I think many people want that even if in a smaller way. The relationship between The Count and Albert get more involved as he is unconsciously drawn toward him and he thinks it is because Albert is the son of Mercédès. Dumas seems to be trying to make of The Count a perfect hero but he cannot help but show his own dark side.

I see Albert as a typical teenager of this century who are overindulged in my opinion. Shall we hope that Mercédès will have taught Albert something good except seeking pleasure and shall we know in the end about his real character?

Babs. ”ALF: so do I, understand where he is coming from".

Right and Father Faria was a pedagogue. He had to transfer his knowledge he knew his time was running short. Edmond being young and alert learnt fast and furious. I remember when Faria told him, “think, think what did Villefort say when you told him about the letter you received from Napoleon” and Edmond did not remember at first that Villefort BURNT the letter where there was proof that his own father would have been accused of treason against the Monarchy, thus being incriminated himself in treason. His father was a Bonapartist while he was a staunch Monarchist If that letter had been known Villefort would have been sent to prison for treason. That letter BURNT Villefort could send Dantes to prison for life.

Junee Welcome to the Count of Monte Cristo. I remember you so well and your graciousness in Calgary. We were looking at Lake Louise together. Remember how the smoke from forest fires was blurring the view? The online version of The Count of Monte Cristo is up there in the heading for you. We are looking at chapters 51 to 80. I don’t remember hearing of Admiral Villeneuve, sorry. Do come back and we will love to read your posts. The Count of Monte Cristo is set at the time of Napoleon’s imprisonment on Elba, and Alexandre Dumas takes advantage of the many plots to overthrow the regime in place at the moment. It was an interesting time in history and I remember my mother’s admiration for Napoleon. My grandmother was born in 1840, for pete’s sakes, (sorry) at the time when that book was written. You see how far back I go HaHaHaaaa. I don’t care. Look at you Junee how far you go from home? I don’t know if I would have the courage to go to Australia even if I could afford it. I’m looking forward to your posts.

Eloïse

I guess I have to apologise to the count. After bragging that no one can let his slave know that she is free, he tells her himself. Of course, then she says she wants nothing in life but to sit around waiting for him to show up. Presumably this is Dumas' ideal woman!! No wonder he went through so many.

But the count is emerging as a more complex character than I thought. I agree with you ELOISE there almost seem to be two people in there struggling to come out. Later he says to the Morells that they restore his faith in human nature. The bitterness and cynicism of the prisoner vs the opennes and sweetness of the young sailor. It makes me wonder what time has done to me.

Hahaha Joan, we were born in this century you see. We see the world through modern colored glasses. There was a lot of hypocricy hiding behind good manners. Dumas worked on two fronts, up front was the good or what appeared as good, but the bad was always there waiting to come out. We know what Dumas thought about women from his bio. Boy you can't even hide your real personality when you write even fiction.

My friends I finally got an English abbridged version. It is an extremely good translation, different from the online version in style, but I believe it will not make any difference. The story goes at a faster pace, that's all.

Eloïse

have to turn my book in tomorrow ..but I wont comment on the end. Yes, Dumas makes his hero act as he would act....and most likely did act. What struck me about his attitude toward women ..is how many men still feel that way today...and how many women still accept that behavior...thank goodness for the independent women who were there for me when I was growing up... really enjoyed this book and I need to look again for a quote in the last part of the book...since it is something I have said all my life. I wonder if when I read this years ago that what he said stuck with me..anna

I love the way that Dumas makes such a careful study of human reactions and emotions. He is very philosophical in one breath and in the next sentence rage and revenge prevail.

Eloise describes it: Dumas worked on two fronts, up front was the good or what appeared as good, but the bad was always there waiting to come out. How true that is. He does it through sciety's eyes and the social organizations. He argues both points between his characters of Dantes and Villefort whom he detests.

He was an avid traveler and brags that "his kingdom is as large as the world" for he really has no particular heritage but has literally adopted each of its customs and languages. Of course his basic reason for educating himself was for the sake of revenge. He teslls his "slave girl" to learn all that she can about the customs of the country they are now residing in. "It might serve her in the future."

What a sad man as he tells Bertuccio after hearing of his story, "For every evil there are two remedies: time and silence." Does anyone agree with that? It is difficult for me to be silent when I am angry.

Anna, Dumas reflected the mores of his time I think when women were decorative in addition to being useful in the house. My grandmother had NO voice and my mother very little, but she could defend us with life and limb if need be. She used to say "Il faut endurer" or we must endure. Dumas too easily makes noble men and women out of fishermen's sons and daughters. Dantes becomes a refined Count, Marcédès a countess. He stopped short of making of he a Duchess.

Alf, I don't believe time and silence will remedy evil. It just puts it under the carpet, but could it mean that you can ignore evil and think it will go away as by magic, but that is not looking at evil in the face and try and to combat it. It involves sticking your neck out.

A philosopher says that you cannot achieve aristocracy in one generation and I believe so too. But the story would not be what it is without that element and Dumas easily brushes off conventions for the sake of suspense.

Eloïse

From what I have seen in my life and read in volumes of history books ( something I have always enjoyed reading even if the truth hurt) seldom does time alone effect change...I think it takes an angry voice to accomplish change..people in charge are never going to change unless they are made to do so..People in charge dont like change..it upsets their apple cart..their control, their lives..and people who long to have freedoms and some control over their own lives have to speak up...fight if necessary but demand changes ...and it never ends because always in the background are those that wish things to remain the same or return to the way that pleased them..I dont see an end to that battle ..ever..I wish I could but thousands of years have failed to make some changes and as long as life will be there will also be this conflict...sad to say IMHO>>.anna

We are in the third week and we have covered a lot of ground. Now we will be involved in the amours of the young generation and the Count will appear to have the secondary role. But the intrigues involving these young people whose families dislike each other reminds me of Romeo and Juliet where family feuds were deadly.

We will see lovers planning to elope because parents had chosen other partners for them. People married much younger in those days and parents often arranged the marriage of their children in order to have the best possible match to advance their social standing. I can’t help but compare with today when we see young people just start living together and often never bother with a marriage contract. What are your thoughts on this?

Are grand parents today still able to influence their grand children’s choice of partners or their choice of career?

The Count will use his flair in business to bring about the ruin of his enemies. How do you perceive his business flair having never had to manage a fortune until he found the treasure?

Eloïse

Now we see how everything started that put poor Dantès in prison. That conspiracy to overthrow the Monarchy while Napoleon was in exile is slowly being revealed. Edmond could not have suspected that the letter Napoleon gave him on the isle of Elba to deliver to a man in Marseille he didn't even know, was going to take such huge consequence.

It remind me of a person who is asked to deliver a package to another in an airport and finds out that that package contained illegal documents or drugs and he finds himself in prison.

Noirtier now is ready to reveal the content of an incriminating document as the families are gathered together to arrange a marriage between Valentine and Franz the next day, while she loves Maximilien. Noirtier loves his grand daughter and wants her to be happy with Max, who incidently has no fortune and no title but the old man wants her to marry the man she loves.

Eloïse

Each one of these unfolding dramas, where individual characters are either good or bad, lends excitement to the story. Calamaties abound; deaths, suicides & murders (almost), kidnapings. I love adventures like this one. Don't we all wish we had the likes of the Count as a friend? I sure as hell wouldn't want to be his enemy.

Alf, you make me laugh. No, I wouldn't want someone like him as an enemy either. The Count is so unreal. He pursues his vengeance relentlessly for years, Does he have anything else in mind?

What do you think about Noirtier's will?

Did The Count have anything to do with Valentine inheriting from both grandparents?

Eloïse

"The Count is so unreal. He pursues his vengeance relentlessly for years, Does he have anything else in mind?"

He seems to be setting himself up as the guiding angel of the young people in the story, making sure they will marry who they want to. Hestarts to bankrupt Villafort when he learns that V has turned down Valentines inheritance to marry her to Albert.

I admit I have a little trouble keeping track of all the subplots, but they do make it more interesting. I am confused. How is Dangler's wife related to Villiport's inlaws? Why was she in their villa? Or am I completely confused?

I understand your confusion ..for I have been and still am to some extent confused with all the plots and sub plots and sub sub plots..as soon as I would come to terms to where I was there was another plot to solve. I have found now that I read it to the end that going back and reviewing some of the story helps ...

Yes I would not have liked to have been the Counts enemy ...this was made into a movie wasnt it? Wonder who the played the count? anna

Joan, you might not have the list of characters I have in my abridged version and I will list the most important ones, it might help in sorting all the plots. I had trouble with it too and I often have to go back to find out who is who.

We all know the main characters, Edmond Dantès, The Count of Monte Cristo. Mercédès, who will marry Fernand Mondego, Comte de Morcel.

Fernand Mondego, afterwords Comte de Morcef, who is Mercédès's cousin. Mercédès and Fernand's son, Albert de Morcef,

Danglars, afterwards Baron Danglars, his wife, their daughter Eugénie Danglars.

Monsieur Noirtier de Villefort, an adherent of Napoleon, his son, Gérard de Villefort, Procureur du Roi. Valentine Villefort, Villeford's daughter by his first wife in love with Maximillian Morrel. Héloïse, Villefort second wife, Edouard, her son.

Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Méran, Renée de Saint Méran, engaged to Gérard de Villefort.

Général Flavien de Quesnel, Baron Franz d'Épinay, his son.

I have noticed that the author chooses uncommon family names that, to me, sound English, Danglars, for instance. Mondego, sounds Italian, Mercédes is of course Spanish. Dantès, to me sounds Spanish.

Anna, last week I rented The Count English version and I found it so different from the book. Some of the main characters remained, but they couldn't possibly do all the plots within plots, even in the abridged version. It was mostly swashbuckling fanfare, not 10 minutes passed before you saw a duel. The book only has one to my memory, and the romance was played up as usual to make it a good ending. I will rent the French version with Gérard Depardieu, if I can find it in Blockbusters. I saw it before, but I want to see it again. I think I will like that one better and I believe it is done in English either with subtitles or dubbed, I don't know.

Sorry Joan I couldn't find an answer to your question because I don't know which chapter that was.

Lots of good action coming up in the last sprint and we will find out whodonnit.

Eloïse

Regarding what kind of a story this is, I think that it is all of the above put together but perhaps some would find it more of an adventure story. Is Dumas trying to have a moral ending to the story while all those murders were going on?

The real history that Dumas describes here is accurate and the author perhaps wanted to take advantage of the fact that Napoleon was in exile and found it exciting to see him escape from Elba to reconquer the throne of France.

Did anybody else find that what motivated the characters was greed?

In the end, does The Count find solace in his achieving his precious vengeance?

Eloïse

All those murders were committed by Heloïse, Villefort’s second wife. Oh! No, not Heloïse, I thought she was going to be the quiet woman who never disturbs the peace and quiet in that household!!!! I am so surprised.

There is an underlying spirituality throughout the book which several characters express. Mercédès says: ”I shall do God’s will" and later on The Count says: ”Alas! By what means can I restore to these two innocent beings the happiness I have snatched from them? God will help me”. And as Villefort finds his wife and son dead, he says: ”It is in the hand of God”. The Count: "and God grant that I have not already done too much.”

His vengeance accomplished, The Count never found a place in his heart for forgiveness and it makes me doubt his spirituality, he regrets being the instrument in the demise of those who had wronged him.

Revenge was not so sweet after all.

Eloïse

I have been meaning to reply to your question concerning greed...it would seem we would not have had a story if greed had not reared its ugly head...so much happened because of greed..greed for money, prestige, power, control...and the sad thing it is still what propels many today.

And that is a sad commentary on all of humanity. Those who have much want more and those who have little do not want to necessarily earn more but want those with much to give it to them. How many times have you heard anyone say ..I have to much I will share with others who have little? They are there but you seldom hear about them or little..It is almost like reporters etc dont want to tell about the good that people do ..anna

Remember Eloise when the count was explaining his "potion" to Heloise after he put some a drop of the liquid on Edourd's tongue. She was very inquisitive BUT the Count "lay" down the ideas in her head. He kept repeating to her that it was poison and could kill. then he quietly slipped her a container of the poison. Those people died by her hand but it was because of the Count's expertise that they were murdered. How does one absolve himself of killing the innocents while trying to punish the guilty?

Anna, How right you are and human nature has never changed much over the centuries. In Story of Civilization yesterday we read this from Durant: "Nearly everybody in Rome worshiped money with mad pursuit, and all but the bankers denounced it. Says a god in Ovid:-'How little you know the age you live in if you fancy that honey is sweeter than cash in hand.' If I want to find one word in The Count of Monte Cristo to describe the theme it could be money because that is what permitted him to achieve his vengeance.

Alf, What I find difficult about who was the culprit is that Dumas didn't foreshadow Heloise's real character, unless I missed something, I didn't see that coming. When the Count warned Heloise that more than a drop would probably be enough to kill someone he didn't think that she would kill her own son. She had not previously been described as a murderer. But as Anna said, greed becomes a strong incentive.

Alexandre Dumas didn't quite cut it regarding spirituality in this book. He tried to finish with a moral to his story, perhaps to appease the censors, but the argument was weak. The Count during 10 years relentlessly pursued his oppressors with a determination that can only be described as evil. One by one his enemies fell either by death, or they became ruined and one ended in an insane asylum.

The Count couldn't even find enough love in his heart for Mercédès who admitted to him that she still loved him and he dismissed her like an old shoe to pursue his life with a much younger woman.

Eloïse

The Count recognized Heloiese's greed! I'm sure he didn't much care WHO she murdered and hoped that it would be her husband. That is the price one pays for greed and revenge, I think Dumas was trying to tell us. One ignores everything but their own manipulative wishes. She wanted ALL of the money that her step daughter had, for herself and her son. When she failed, was found out and threatened to dispose of herself, by her husband, the big shot prosecutor, she opted to take her son with her. Now HOW selfish is that?

Like you, Eloise, I think Dumas leaves a bit to be desired in many ways but he has spun such a grand epic story it's hard for me to find fault with him. I really enjoyed this read and your expert leadership. I thank you.

I fully agree with you concerning Dantes and Mercedes..How callous of him..and he just lost me then...I understood his anger at how ill used he had been by dishonorable men...but to throw aside this woman whom he had loved (?) so much because he couldnt forgive her for thinking he was dead and going on with her life. And sorry I dont think he will find happiness with a much younger woman...and it will serve him right!!!anna PS as you can see I was quite caught up in the story.

Alexandre Dumas was taking many risks in writing this story and I am wondering that if he was writing today, he would have sold that many copies, or if he could even be published at all! No doubt that he has a particular style that appealed to the new wave of freedom that prevailed in France after the revolution. He was careful describing the politics of France in the 19th century which was tumultuous to say the least.

Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and France came close to becoming a British Colony. But Britain, always benevolent - they allowed the French in Quebec to keep their language and their religion - preferred to put Bonaparte in prison and reinstate the Monarchy. I don't know the how politically correct that is, but no matter, Dumas took chances. Born in 1802 he knew the sentiments of the people and their anxiety as to who was going to run the country.

What better setting. Most of the people in France at the time wanted the freedom that America had and Aristocracy didn't have a chance.

For money, the most unlikely people will do something they would not do otherwise. Fernand betrayed his best friend Edmond. Noirtier in spite of being paralyzed could crack the whip to whoever he wished with his fortune. Danglars to gain access to a promotion didn't hesitate in incriminating his rival to get to be Captain even if it meant prison for life for him.

Who pays for all the mess? The next generation who didn't have a clue about what started the whole thing. They became the victims. Dumas was tolerant toward the young because he had been through what they are going through. He described the young generation with tolerance and kindness.

Eloïse

I am Back: Strange, when reading how Mercedes talked to The Count, I got the impression, although she still loved Edmond,he was no longer available, seems she thought it gone forever. Upon looking at the Count she regonize him, but he wasn't the same, She sent him packing and he realized he could not recapture their love. Hence he left and knew he had a love elsewhere. I may be wrong with this impression, but that is the way it came to me. Babs

Even thought it was portrayed differently in the movie, the Count wanted revenge on all parties-- which included the lovely Mercedes` for marrying within a month of his incarceration. Of course, in the movie, she was pregnant by Edmund Dantes and the she needed to wed.

ALF . yes in the movie he did want revenge, and can you blame him? I know I couldn't Also in the movie,( the one I saw) he did get reconciled with Mecedes. It was a nicer ending than the book. At least I felt that way. Babs

Babs: It's interesting how people perceive things differently isn't it? What really bothered me throughout is that only Mercédès recognized him. The voice is the real clincher to me. I recognize a voice even if I only heard it once. Eyes don't deceive even if a face changes. But in everybody's mind, Edmond died in prison and he couldn't possibly escape safe and sound but in addition he was immensely rich and Edmond the sailor could never have become "The Count". The improbable in this story makes is even more interesting. The Count could see the real character of his friends and associates. When he was young and insouciant, he couldn't see their dark side and I like to think that 14 years in a dungeon could sharpen a mind having Father Faria as a mentor. Of course, 14 years it impossible for those two to spend all the time together without the guards suspecting it, but again, the story demanded it.

Dumas didn't bother with his reader's incredulity. He counted on people's need for fantasy to fill the gaps. He was not wrong as the book has had countless reprinting since it was first published in 1844. I think is in school's curriculum because of its literary quality in French.

Alf: Forgive me for saying that the Hollywood movie has an American twist to it. It has a happy ending which is what is needed to make it a popular movie. French literature is less romantic, sorry to say. The French are more pessimistic in general and often look for the fly in the ointment.

Eloïse

ELOISE;; I wonder if the guards would have discovered the two being together all that time. As it was described in the book, they both were suppose to be mad. I would imagine. mind you I said, Imagine, the guards would gave avoided them for fear of their life. But than I am somewhat romantic type of a person. Guess that is why I emjoyed the book and movie so much. Babs

Babs, It's romantics who make the world turn. Someone I know saw The Count of Monte Cristo, produced in France and dubbed in English was available in the US. It stars Gérard Depardieu of international fame. I tried 3 video stores and they didn't have it any more. That version would be closer to the book than the Hollywood movie.

Eloïse

ELOISE; that is the MOVIE I saw and have been wondering why it hasn't been shown again? I found it so good.I never thought to look for the DVD or even VIdeo. Actually I have never seen the Hollywood or American version of the Count of Monte Cristo You have given me an idea.BTW, he also played in the Man in the Iron Mask and was excellant in that too.Thanks, Babs

Au contraire- you needn't apologize for the American movie to me. I much preferred the book's story line to the movie (as I usually do.) <French literature is less romantic, sorry to say. The French are more pessimistic in general and often look for the fly in the ointment.

Eloïse In the book, the plot was deeper, more intricate and far superior to the time alloted for the "movie segments."

I much prefer looking for the fly in the ointment, don't you all?

Haven't quite finished the book, maybe I'll change my mind when I read the ending. But it seemed to me that the mature Mercedes is portrayed throughout as a middle-aged mother, whose emotions center on her son, and who is not a subject for romance. Never mind that she and the count are the same age, and he is assumed to still be able to find romance -- that is one of the biases of our (as well as presumably Dumas') society: women once they reach middle age are no longer romantic or sexual beings, whereas men are. Mme Danglers, who is shown as still having an affair at that age, becomes rediculous. It becomes clear her lover was just using her.

I thought the portrayal of the lesbian couple was interesting. I was surprised, and didn't expect to find it in a romance of that period. I also felt the portrayal wasn't completely unsympathetic. What is the French attitude toward homosexuality?

It seemed to me the portrayal of the Count's attitude toward the young people was inconsistant. He tells Mercedes that he has to kill Albert because he is doing God's will and the Bible says that the sins of the fathers are visited on the children. But when Mercedes shows her love for Albert, he relents. Similiarly, he tells Morell that maybe Valentine will be killed next, it doesn't really matter. But when he realizes Morell loves Valentine, he is appalled and goes to incredible lengths to save her. It's as if people don't exist for him unless they are loved by one of the few people he loves. (I still don't like the count. I find him truly scary, believing he is God's instrument to carry out His revenge. He sounds like every crazy murderer you read about in the paper).

Joan, "What is the French attitude toward homosexuality?" I listen to the French channel every morning for the news, I found that they don't attach that much importance to what goes on in the bedrooms of the nation like we do in America. A President having an affair with an "intern" in Matignon-their White House-would not be newsworthy, never mind making the front page. Whereas in America, we find politicians' love life scandalous. In France, no one pays attention to that. They love politics and that is what you see on their front pages.

Dumas had do-it-yourself Christian morals. People often say that fiction does not necessarily reflect the author mind set, I don't agree, to me, they always do.

Monte Cristo wants his enemies to die slowly, I mean he spends 10 years finding ways to do it instead of killing them outright as he came out of prison as Jacopo wanted, but he said no, that would not be enough suffering for them. I found that extremely evil.

Eloïse

Let us not be too harsh on Edmund folks-

-remember he spent the "best years of his life" enduring the pain and the loss of his freedom because of those people he wishes to seek revenge on. I would be hard pressed not to feel the same way that he did.

ALF. I agree with you.The worst thing he felt was the way his Father died. Penniless and hungry,Yet what ever happened to the money Edmond left in a bag for his Father? Where did it go, it was enough for the Father to live on when Edmond went to sea again and for some months it seems. Babs

Alf and Babs. I don't know but who would keep it up for 10 years after he escaped and do nothing else but try and give back some of what he had received. I can't judge of course, because I am not The Count!!!!

Other books of revenge but on a lesser tone was "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo.

The Count was perhaps like other men in falling out of love with Mercédès after she had faded and only a century and a half ago, people did not live to a ripe old age as we do now. Edmond freed himself from the shackles of love easily and preferred starting a new life with a young woman while Mercédès never stopped loving him. Is that very different from today I wonder?

Folks if I am absent from the computer, it is because we have problems with our network connection my daughter and me and my son-in-law is away on business for a week. I hope I can manage to reconnect as much as three times a day, but I don't know how long it will last.

I am enjoying this exchange between us who have been so faithful and interesting. There would have been so much more to discuss, but this book had many many pages and we only have a month.

Eloïse

I am still here and my connection yesterday lasted. I unplugged two wires, shut down my daughter's computer, reconnected the two wires, open up again and it worked. I don't know why it does that.

If we seemed to think that The Count had no remorse, no feelings, on page 425 after Valentine had been poisoned and was going to die, he said: "Behold my dear friend, how God punishes the most boastful and unfeeling for their indifference in the face of terrible disasters, I looked on unmoved and curious. I watched this grim tragedy developing, and like one of those fallen angels, laughed at the evil committed by men under the screen of secrecy. And now my turn has come, and I am bitten by the serpent whose tortuous course I have been watching-bitten to the core."

He realizes how dangerous his killing spree was to hit innocent victims. He then administered an antidote to the dying Valentine as he admitted that his vengeance went too far. So he did have remorse after all, it's just that it gets drowned in the lofty verses that Dumas attributes to his characters.

The Count exercised his power not only because of his wit but most of all because of his wealth. In the end, he realized the futility of vengeance, I hope, because vindication only brings bitterness to those who keep it in their heart. If he was ever going to be happy, in spite of his vast fortune because it only brings more problems, he had to find forgiveness in the end. Otherwise that cancer would kill him in the long run.

Eloïse

After reading the book, what does this story evoke in you? Do you feel sympathy for the 'cause' of The Count? Does it have credibility? is it too wordy? Has it good characterization? Is there a moral to this story?

I would very much like to know your views on this.

Eloïse

Eloise, I felt it was a unique adventure that has truly weathered the test of time. I loved the real life narrative of this Classic story and its cast of characters. I read a translated and abridged edition so it was perfect for me. I felt as if even though it was not the original and it had many implausibilities it was still an enjoyable mystery and adventure, even though a bit melodramatic. But then again, so am I. So-- who can fault Dumas?

I enjoyed it very much. I read the full English version and, although it was long, it was not too wordy. Some of the writing was so excellant I would have been sorry to miss it. I liked the characterizations. Although the characters were in some sense "stock" characters, as this type of novel requires, they all had some dimension to them. I liked especially the variety and twists and turns of the plot, and the subplots. The scene with the gardening telegraph operator I will remember when I've forgotten much else.

The count was the most difficult character, and I'm not sure Dumas ever made the various facets of his character hang together. Since you see him in his moments of self doubt and sorrow you can't help feeling sympathy for him. In the picture of him as an instrument of God's vengence, we perhaps feel most differences of time and culture between Dumas and us.

While I am sure I have read this before I enjoyed it again. I think from a senior citizen's point of view I feel less forgiving and less understanding of his desire for revenge. I am sure when read at the younger age I just found the whole thing intriguing and was not judgemental at all I also think I found the count handsome and someone I would have liked to have known......my how our opinons change ...anna

Joan: I don't know what a 'stock' character is, sorry. The telegraph episode was so very amusing. At first I wondered why Dumas would bother with it, but in thinking further, it must have been there for for an important part in the novel. Dumas had quite an imagination to think of using the new technology, the telegraph to cause the stock market to fall and in consequence cause not only Villefort's ruin but others as well. I think that Dumas must have played heavily in stocks and bonds.

Anna, me too, I am more forgiving as time goes by. Less rigid and set in my opinions. That is good, it keeps us in a good mood. I like to feel good and hang around people who make me feel good.

Alf my dear, you were so good to keep us company while in the turmoil of packing and moving. I hope you can get to a computer in the next few months you will be waiting to relocate. I moved back to my apartment after renovations were done only in November and while I was waiting I was at my daughter's place downstairs. It was terrible not to have my own place.

Eloïse

To tell you the truth now, I kept loosing myself in the plots and sub-plots of The Count of Monte Cristo but I still wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters. It was great fun to discuss this book with you and I hope we will see each other in the other fantastic book discussions coming up. I want to discuss them all, unfortunately I won't have time but I will certainly see each one of you soon, so I say au revoir my friends, it was great fun to have your company.

Much love, Eloïse

I am sure I wasn't yet 10 years old when I read Monte Christo, of course in an abridged version. The adventures were exciting, but they didn't remain in my memory, except one thing: Edmond Dantes learning with the help of Abbé Faria. Of course, in my present age I find it unbelievable, but the example it gave me is still with me: if one wants to learn and to know, obstacles can be overcome. It touched me much as many of the Andersen stories, which showed that one can be good even in horrible circumstances, and even in my present age I like to see how people can be victorious in adversity.

Hello Hegeso, I am so happy to see you. You mention learning at a later age. I was surprised to learn that there are thousands of seniors, perhaps millions over the world who are attending classes in University. I also attended and received a few credits which showed me, to my surprise, that I can still do that.

What Edmond Dantès learned from Father Faria he couldn't have learned it going to school as a young child, because all his time was devoted to the learning process and both teacher and pupil were eager one to teach, one to learn. It kept both hopeful that if they ever escaped, what they learned in prison would be as valuable as the jewels Dantes later discovered in a cave.

As you say, the example it gave me is still with me. How many people have told me, when I was attending classes in my 30's, that I was too old to learn. 50 years later, I am still adding to my knowledge in class but more especially with SeniorNet Books and Literature because the teaching I receive from participants there is of the highest quality and it would not be available to me in my circumstances. I agree that "if one wants to learn and to know, obstacles can be overcome."

I appreciated your participation friends. In a few days this discussion will be made "Read Only".

Eloïse

ELOISE; THANK YOU for bringing this to my attention.(Count of Monte Cristo) Although I did not particapate (sp)much, I did enjoy all.. I hope you shall be back again with another nice book for us to read. Babs

Babs, thank you, we enjoyed talking about such a colorful character as The Count didn't we. He was a large than life character.

Books and Literature is offering good books for discussion in April and I hope we will see you there.

Eloïse

Eloise thanks for your leading ...I love reading and discussing "old books" from my past. Most of the books I read then I read alone with no one to exchange ideas with ..One reason I came to seniornet was because a friend was reading a book I had just finished and she mentioned seniornet and even emailed me the web address..and thr rest is history ..for I have been here ever since...I appreciate all the BL's for offering us a such great diversity ...if you dont like this month's you just wait until something you do like...for it will come along !!!!!!!anna

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