Monsieur Morrel- COMC- pba 1

Monsieur Morrel

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

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Monsieur Morrel

In the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Monsieur Morrel is an honorable shipowner who's been placed in economical and ethical situations where he has shown moral integrity for those he loves. With each adversity, his personality shines and he continues to make virtuous decisions.

morrel's philosphy

Kohlberg Moral development

M. Morrel follows the Utilitarianism mindset when experiencing his debt problem. Utilitiariasm focuses on the result of our actions, and it implies that you should choose the action for the greatest good, for the greatest number of people. When Morrel made the ultimate decision to end his life for the sake of his family, he made a decision that negtively impacted him but positively impaacted more people, especially people who meant the world to him. "The young man (Maximillien Morrel) groaned, but he appeared to be redsgned. For the secodn time conviction entered, not his heart, but his mind." (page 128) His family would have to come to terms with his death (if he had died), but it was for the best and he would've died with pride.

Morrel's level of thinking and morality placed him at level three, "Mutual interpersonal expectations and conformity". At this level, people value other people's needs before what may be right or what's best for themselves. Morrel was loyal to his family and companion in times of crisis and had good motives. Individuals in this stage often believe that they should sacrifice themselves for other people, despite the consequence. "Blood washes away dishonor" says Morrel (page 28). He was ready to do anything for the benefit of those he loved.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kVTQQQlDoy27KIbDkW-WdlcKhKJbhpGOE966pEnIHM0/edit?usp=sharing

Motivations

Behaviors & events

Every character's behavior in this novel revealed their personality and Morrel has been able to show his selflessness, which was luckily repayed with good karma! When Morrel was dealing with his financial situation, Edmond saved his life and fortune by bringing back the Pharaon just in time, but as an unknown benefactor. Morrel wasn't expecting this miracle, but he and his family were so grateful. This crucially influenced future events in the book because when Maximillien Morrel (the son of M. Morrel) tried to end his life, Edmond's two secret identitities were uncovered by force. Edmond told Maximillien, "'...Because I'm the one who saved your father's life one day when he wanted to kill himself just as you want to kill yourself today; because I'm the man who send... the Pharaon to your father; because I'm Edmond Dantes..." (page 447)

Monsieur Morrel has always shown such pure motivations, and hasn't been afraid to do the honorable thing. In the beginning of the novel, Morrel was so impressed by Edmond that he announced him captain of the Pharaon. This led to the hostility of the others and tensions were rising. After Morrel gave Edmond the position as captain of the ship, it was said that, "Morrel saw Danglars standing behind him, also following the young sailors movements. But there was a great ddifference in the expression of the two men as they both wathed Edmond Dantes" (page 7). Although Morrel made a good decision with good intentions, it may have been one of the origins of Edmond's harsh life.

Morrel heavily relies on his ship business which is why he put so much love and hardwork into the Pharaon. However, he's not good at finding other ways to make an income

Job skills & expertise

Morrel is an accomplished shipowner, and owns the firm Morrel and Son. Even the Emporer was aware of the successful business! Dantes mentioned that the Emporer would've tried to buy it from him, but he was only the first mate and it belonged to the firm Morrel and Son. The Emporer stated that, "'The Morrels have been shipowners for generations and there was a Morrel in my regiment when was garrisoned at Valence'"(page 4). Morrel's business was respectable throughout the country, especially with the help of Edmond Dantes and other crewmates.

"The Pharaon"