The Count of Monte Cristo
Stephanie, TulaA, Blake, Shiven, Shayaan
start
COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
by Alexandre Dumas
The count of monte cristo is a book telling the story of Edmond Dantes, a young French sailor who is framed and wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. he spends over a decade in prison, but eventually escapes and emerges bent on revenge on his enemies who framed him: Fernand mondego, Baron danglars, and Gerard de Villefort.
Click Here to Continue>
CHARACTERS
EDMOND DANTES
ABBE FARIA
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
Complete
ALBERT de MORCERF
Stephanie Fu
EDMOND DANTES
CONTINUE
Key Event andChanges Over Time
The one key event that led to Dantes's development and change throughout the book is being framed and imprisoned. This event and his long years spent in the Chateau d'If contribute to his hatred towards the three people who wronged him and his unwavering desire for revenge. Although he starts out as a loyal, compassionate, and kind young man, being imprisoned turns him into a bitter, angry, and cunning person. When he emerged from prison, "his eyes wore a look of deep sadness, with occasional flashes of dark hatred" (Dumas 85). His drastic change in appearance reflects the way his personality changed in the 14 years he spent in prison. However, after making a friendship with Maximillian Morrel and a love for Haydee, he sees the joy in life instead of solely focusing on revenge. His newfound peace can be seen in his last letter to Maximillien Morrel: "Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss" (Dumas 531).
CONTINUE
Motivations and Behaviors
Danglars and Fernand Mondego are the main culprits of Dantes's wrongful imprisonment. Danglars was against Dantes being promoted to captain of the ship, and jealous of the young sailor's success. When the Pharaon arrives at the harbor, Danglars was "possessed by the demon of hatred and trying to breathe some evil insinuation against [Dantes] into [Morrel's] ear" (Dumas 7). While Danglars is motivated by financial reasons, Fernand was motivated by his unreturned love for Mercedes, Dantes's fiancee. Fernand is blinded by his hatred for Dantes and his jealousy of the love Mercedes has for the sailor instead of for himself. When he meets Dantes, he "glar[ed] out at him from the shadows. Fernand had unconsciously put his hand to the handle of the knife in his belt" (Dumas 12). While Danglars and Fernand were direct causes of Dantes's imprisonment, Villefort contributed to it by burning the letter intended for his father, Noirtier, to save himself from being discovered as the son of a Bonapartist. He condemns Dantes to the Chateau d'If, one of the most secure prisons for the most dangerous criminals.
CONTINUE
Personal and Cultural Background
Edmond Dantes comes from the city of Marseilles in France, which is the starting setting of the book. He comes from a religious background, often mentioning God throughout the story. During his time in prison, he often prayed to God: "having exhausted all his human resources, Dantes turned to God. He remembered the prayers his mother had taught him and found meanings in them of which he had formerly been unaware" (Dumas 41). After meeting Abbe Faria, he comes to learn many languages, including Italian, German, English, and Arabic, most of which he uses in his plots of revenge after he escapes. Dantes was originally engaged to Mercedes, but after his imprisonment Mercedes marries her cousin and Dantes's enemy, Fernand Mondego.
CONTINUE
Divine Command Theory
Divine command theory states that morality is dependent on God's wishes, and obedience to God is the right choice. For Dantes, divine command theory applies because he is a follower of God and throughout most of the book, believes that he is destined by God to deal out justice and retribution. Although his internal thoughts state that he follows the command of God, it is arguable whether or not he truly follows God's wishes as his desire for revenge for himself is out of hatred disguised as the will of God. At the end of the book, Dantes realizes his mistakes, and writes to Maximillien, "a man who...believed himself for an instant to be equal to God, but who realized in all humility that supreme power and wisdom are in the hands of God alone," describing himself (Dumas 530). He once thought himself to be a godlike figure, capable of anything, but decides in the end that supreme power belongs to God, and to follow Gods will is the right choice, showing the divine command theory.
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Multiple Perspectives
Details
For Dantes, his one goal is to achieve revenge on his enemies. Unlike people like Danglars and Benedetto, who seek power and money, Dantes is not consumed by thoughts of jealousy and wealth both before and after his imprisonment. Before, he was content being in love with his fiancee and happily sailing the ocean. After, his main goal is to enact revenge. Another difference in perspective is between Albert and Dantes about exposing Fernand. Albert at first believes that whatever his father did, he did not deserve to be ruined. Dantes believes that what Fernand did is enough for Dantes to expose him.
Edmond Dantes has many personalities throughout the book. When he is framed he is still "a happy young man who has made a good beginning in life and who counts on the future to unfold itself as a natural deduction from the past" (Dumas 85). During prison, he becomes angry and cold, shown when he says "'He'll be blind and deaf" in response to Faria when he wishes the sentry were blind and deaf so they could escape more easily (Dumas 59). Before, he never would have suggested violence, but years in prison hardened him until he would go to whatever lengths it takes to reach his goals.
CONTINUE
Ethics
One ethical consideration that appears for Edmond Dantes is the duel with Albert de Morcerf. On one standpoint, Dantes should not kill Albert as he is a young person, does not understand the full story, and does not deserve to be killed over something that does not apply to him. On another standpoint, Albert disrespected Dantes, personally agreed to a duel, and showed anger towards him. This may give Dantes some reason to be justified in killing Albert in the duel. However, after Mercedes pleads for her son's life, Dantes agrees to let Albert win and let Albert kill him because the strength of his dignity "was [his] life; you've broken it wth a word, so [he] must die" (Dumas 378). This shows Dantes still holds love for Mercedes, as he was willing to listen to her and end his own life in response to her plea. In Moral Development, Dantes is Stage 5, which means that he views laws and rules as flexible and used for improving society, therefore there are exceptions to rules. This helps me understand my character as I can know that Dantes does not follow strict rules and acts based on what is good for his goals and what he thinks is good for society in general.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
Albert Mondego
MaximiliEn Morrel
Complete
Tulaa Auti
ABBE FARIA
start
Events, Motivations, and Behaviors
An event that was significant to developing Farias character is when he, who is also known merely as a number, saves Dantes’s life and sanity by giving him back his sense of self. Faria is able to counteract the harm that oppressive society has wreaked on Dantes by treating him as a human being. Some of Abbe Farias motivations to help Dantes were to escape prison, to educate Dantes how to survive, and to find a hidden fortune. Abbé Faria becomes Dantès's intellectual father: during their many years as prisoners, he teaches Dantès history, science, art, and many languages. He then leaves Dantès in his will and his vast hidden fortune.
CONTINUE
Passions and Enneagram Number
Abbe Faria has, for years, amused himself in prison by inventing useful objects, writing out his history of European politics, and dreaming up methods of escape, so that he might be able to access the fortune at Monte Cristo, which his Italian noble family bequeathed to him years ago. He is extremely learned and wise, as he has worked for a noble family in Italy before being thrown into prison for supposed sympathy with the forces of independence in Italy. I believe that Abbe Faria is a mix of enneagram type two (the helper, the giver, the mentor) and five (the investigator, the observer, the thinker). Abbe has a remarkable focus and ability to concentrate in the long-term. He sees everything for how it can be used - ripping apart every resource available in his prison cell to serve as paper, digging tools, and light. Abbe is very intelligent. Many people believe he is crazy but he is kind and helps out Edmond while in prison.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
ALBERT MONDEGO
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
Complete
Blake McCormick
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
start
Event
Maximilian Morrell is the character I chose. The event that was key to developing Maximilian was the death of his love, Valentine. There had been many deaths revolving around this one, and there was already an attempt on her. After the news of her death, he was in his room, and he was writing his death letter, because he was ready to kill himself. Before he could, the count walks in and stops him like he stopped Maximilian’s father. He took Maximilian under his wing almost as his son. Maximilian, who was a soldier, was a brave young man, but was not mentally ready for the death of his beloved. After this event, he started to behave weird and was quiet for about a day. He had a plan to kill himself but the count stopped him. : “I repeat that you want to kill yourself, replied the count. “And here is my proof!” He then proceeds to walk over to the desk and hold up the letter that the young man had placed over there. Maximilien tried to get it back but the count grabbed him. Maximilien then says,”What if I am going to kill myself?” He says “All of my hopes are ruined, my heart is broken, my life is ended and there is nothing around me but mourning and dismay.”
CONTINUE
Expertise and Enneagram
Being a Soldier, Maximilian was an expert in leadership, and would never give up no matter what would happen. He had skills with pistols, and even though they almost killed him, he still uses them for the best. Maximilian enneagram type 2 the helper, enneagram type 2 is an empathetic sincere type of person they have the basic fear of being unwanted and unworthy of being loved. Although he has these things, he has his elbow reaches fir #4 which is stress. After the attempted murder in the girl who he loves most valentine, it stressed him out so much that he was about
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Over time, Maximilien is viewed as a boy who has a passion for his love, and will do anything to save his love, Valentine from death. The count views him almost as a son, and takes him under his wing. All people want to see Maximilien succeed in his life, but all show support after the attempted murder of Valentine. Maximlien made an ethical decision, after he learned of the horrible news of Valentine, He went back to his room, locked himself and started to write a letter about how he would kill himself.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
ALBERT de MORCERF
MaximiliEn Morrel
Complete
Shiven Makkena
ALBERT de MORCERF
start
Event
An event that was key to developing Albert’s character was his trip to Rome where he meets the Count and is indebted to him because the Count saved his life. His motivation for the event was to partake in an Italian carnival, “Baron Franz d’Epinay and Viscount Albert de Morcerf…had decided to go to Rome for the carnival” (Dumas, 131). Albert displays his charismatic and charming personality while attending social gatherings, “Franz, Albert, and the Count of Monte Cristo approached the Piazza del Popolo” (Dumas, 140). Albert also displayed his personality, “He also threw a bouquet into the carriage. One of the ladies was apparently touched by this gallant gesture, for when the…carriage passed [again]...she threw a bouquet...into it” (Dumas, 145).
CONTINUE
Expertise
Although the story never details if Albert retained a job or not, Albert’s personality gives him plenty of expertise which helped him survive. Albert is a very compassionate person but he believed the Count was directly responsible for his father’s exposé, “Maximillien leaned close to [the count’s] ear and asked, ‘What have you done to him?’ ‘Nothing,’ replied the Count. ‘His father’s misfortune has made him lose his head’” (Dumas, 372). Although Albert challenged the Count to a duel, he canceled it soon after because of his love for his mother, who explained to him that the Count was not responsible for Fernand’s downfall. His compassion and bravery (his expertise) allowed him to apologize without losing his pride instead of getting killed by the count in a duel.
CONTINUE
Kohlberg's Moral Development
Albert de Morcerf can be classified in the third level of Kohlberg’s Moral Development. This means that Albert takes into account moral principles and values when making decisions instead of just social norms and rules. One example of his post-conventional level of moral development is his compassion and empathy for others. In the novel, Albert realizes how much the Count has suffered and was able to cancel the duel he set up because his mother had told him the count’s history, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did.
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Over Time
Details
Albert de Morcerf is adventurous and curious and you can easily see this when Albert and the Count meet for the first time. Albert is immediately drawn to the Count because of his mysterious personality and the endearing stories that he tells, “‘You disapprove of dueling then? You would refuse to fight a duel?’ asked Albert, astonished to hear such a strange theory” (Dumas, 139)
At the start of the book, Albert is adventurous and carefree, relying on only rules and social norms to make decisions, classifying him as a level two on Kohlberg’s Moral Development. After Albert realizes that he was only a pawn for the Count, he becomes more cautious and starts taking in others’ feelings as well as his own. For example, Albert realizes why the Count took revenge on Fernand and apologized to the Count, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did” (Dumas, 384).
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Multiple Perspectives
While other characters like Danglars, Caderousse, or the Count are seeking retribution, wealth, or status, Albert is driven by curiosity and excitement. Although he isn’t consumed by ambition like others in the story, his naivety allows him to fall into the Count’s hands. One example of this is his attending of the carnival in Rome. While the Count is driven by his need for revenge, Albert is carefree and easygoing, “Albert snatched [the bouquet] up and...put it triumphantly in his buttonhole” (Dumas, 145). If Mercedes had not informed Albert about the history of the Count, Albert would have become vengeful towards those who wronged him.
CONTINUE
Ethics
One of many ethical implications in the novel is justice and fairness. While grappling with the fact that his father has been charged with a terrible crime, Albert has to decide whether to remain loyal to his father or to move on and abandon his father. He ultimately chooses the one which he believes is morally correct, even if it may be difficult. This action gives Albert a strong moral compass. According to Kohlberg’s Moral Development and evidence from the book, Albert is a level 3 on the Moral Development scale. This details that when making decisions, Albert takes values and beliefs into account along with rules and norms. This explains why Albert challenged the Count to a duel, as he didn’t understand the motives the Count had when taking vengeance on Fernand, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did” (Dumas, 384). Philosophical ideals such as utilitarianism or moral relativism help define a character by using their decisions to create a moral or lesson. From a utilitarianism perspective, Albert’s decision to challenge the Count to a duel was a morally correct decision because his apology later on ensured that no one was hurt and that everyone left the site feeling relieved.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
CONTINUE
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
Albert de MORCERF
MaximiliEn Morrel
Complete
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
COMPLETE
RESTART
The Count of Monte Cristo Character Analysis
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Transcript
The Count of Monte Cristo
Stephanie, TulaA, Blake, Shiven, Shayaan
start
COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
by Alexandre Dumas
The count of monte cristo is a book telling the story of Edmond Dantes, a young French sailor who is framed and wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. he spends over a decade in prison, but eventually escapes and emerges bent on revenge on his enemies who framed him: Fernand mondego, Baron danglars, and Gerard de Villefort.
Click Here to Continue>
CHARACTERS
EDMOND DANTES
ABBE FARIA
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
Complete
ALBERT de MORCERF
Stephanie Fu
EDMOND DANTES
CONTINUE
Key Event andChanges Over Time
The one key event that led to Dantes's development and change throughout the book is being framed and imprisoned. This event and his long years spent in the Chateau d'If contribute to his hatred towards the three people who wronged him and his unwavering desire for revenge. Although he starts out as a loyal, compassionate, and kind young man, being imprisoned turns him into a bitter, angry, and cunning person. When he emerged from prison, "his eyes wore a look of deep sadness, with occasional flashes of dark hatred" (Dumas 85). His drastic change in appearance reflects the way his personality changed in the 14 years he spent in prison. However, after making a friendship with Maximillian Morrel and a love for Haydee, he sees the joy in life instead of solely focusing on revenge. His newfound peace can be seen in his last letter to Maximillien Morrel: "Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss" (Dumas 531).
CONTINUE
Motivations and Behaviors
Danglars and Fernand Mondego are the main culprits of Dantes's wrongful imprisonment. Danglars was against Dantes being promoted to captain of the ship, and jealous of the young sailor's success. When the Pharaon arrives at the harbor, Danglars was "possessed by the demon of hatred and trying to breathe some evil insinuation against [Dantes] into [Morrel's] ear" (Dumas 7). While Danglars is motivated by financial reasons, Fernand was motivated by his unreturned love for Mercedes, Dantes's fiancee. Fernand is blinded by his hatred for Dantes and his jealousy of the love Mercedes has for the sailor instead of for himself. When he meets Dantes, he "glar[ed] out at him from the shadows. Fernand had unconsciously put his hand to the handle of the knife in his belt" (Dumas 12). While Danglars and Fernand were direct causes of Dantes's imprisonment, Villefort contributed to it by burning the letter intended for his father, Noirtier, to save himself from being discovered as the son of a Bonapartist. He condemns Dantes to the Chateau d'If, one of the most secure prisons for the most dangerous criminals.
CONTINUE
Personal and Cultural Background
Edmond Dantes comes from the city of Marseilles in France, which is the starting setting of the book. He comes from a religious background, often mentioning God throughout the story. During his time in prison, he often prayed to God: "having exhausted all his human resources, Dantes turned to God. He remembered the prayers his mother had taught him and found meanings in them of which he had formerly been unaware" (Dumas 41). After meeting Abbe Faria, he comes to learn many languages, including Italian, German, English, and Arabic, most of which he uses in his plots of revenge after he escapes. Dantes was originally engaged to Mercedes, but after his imprisonment Mercedes marries her cousin and Dantes's enemy, Fernand Mondego.
CONTINUE
Divine Command Theory
Divine command theory states that morality is dependent on God's wishes, and obedience to God is the right choice. For Dantes, divine command theory applies because he is a follower of God and throughout most of the book, believes that he is destined by God to deal out justice and retribution. Although his internal thoughts state that he follows the command of God, it is arguable whether or not he truly follows God's wishes as his desire for revenge for himself is out of hatred disguised as the will of God. At the end of the book, Dantes realizes his mistakes, and writes to Maximillien, "a man who...believed himself for an instant to be equal to God, but who realized in all humility that supreme power and wisdom are in the hands of God alone," describing himself (Dumas 530). He once thought himself to be a godlike figure, capable of anything, but decides in the end that supreme power belongs to God, and to follow Gods will is the right choice, showing the divine command theory.
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Multiple Perspectives
Details
For Dantes, his one goal is to achieve revenge on his enemies. Unlike people like Danglars and Benedetto, who seek power and money, Dantes is not consumed by thoughts of jealousy and wealth both before and after his imprisonment. Before, he was content being in love with his fiancee and happily sailing the ocean. After, his main goal is to enact revenge. Another difference in perspective is between Albert and Dantes about exposing Fernand. Albert at first believes that whatever his father did, he did not deserve to be ruined. Dantes believes that what Fernand did is enough for Dantes to expose him.
Edmond Dantes has many personalities throughout the book. When he is framed he is still "a happy young man who has made a good beginning in life and who counts on the future to unfold itself as a natural deduction from the past" (Dumas 85). During prison, he becomes angry and cold, shown when he says "'He'll be blind and deaf" in response to Faria when he wishes the sentry were blind and deaf so they could escape more easily (Dumas 59). Before, he never would have suggested violence, but years in prison hardened him until he would go to whatever lengths it takes to reach his goals.
CONTINUE
Ethics
One ethical consideration that appears for Edmond Dantes is the duel with Albert de Morcerf. On one standpoint, Dantes should not kill Albert as he is a young person, does not understand the full story, and does not deserve to be killed over something that does not apply to him. On another standpoint, Albert disrespected Dantes, personally agreed to a duel, and showed anger towards him. This may give Dantes some reason to be justified in killing Albert in the duel. However, after Mercedes pleads for her son's life, Dantes agrees to let Albert win and let Albert kill him because the strength of his dignity "was [his] life; you've broken it wth a word, so [he] must die" (Dumas 378). This shows Dantes still holds love for Mercedes, as he was willing to listen to her and end his own life in response to her plea. In Moral Development, Dantes is Stage 5, which means that he views laws and rules as flexible and used for improving society, therefore there are exceptions to rules. This helps me understand my character as I can know that Dantes does not follow strict rules and acts based on what is good for his goals and what he thinks is good for society in general.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
Albert Mondego
MaximiliEn Morrel
Complete
Tulaa Auti
ABBE FARIA
start
Events, Motivations, and Behaviors
An event that was significant to developing Farias character is when he, who is also known merely as a number, saves Dantes’s life and sanity by giving him back his sense of self. Faria is able to counteract the harm that oppressive society has wreaked on Dantes by treating him as a human being. Some of Abbe Farias motivations to help Dantes were to escape prison, to educate Dantes how to survive, and to find a hidden fortune. Abbé Faria becomes Dantès's intellectual father: during their many years as prisoners, he teaches Dantès history, science, art, and many languages. He then leaves Dantès in his will and his vast hidden fortune.
CONTINUE
Passions and Enneagram Number
Abbe Faria has, for years, amused himself in prison by inventing useful objects, writing out his history of European politics, and dreaming up methods of escape, so that he might be able to access the fortune at Monte Cristo, which his Italian noble family bequeathed to him years ago. He is extremely learned and wise, as he has worked for a noble family in Italy before being thrown into prison for supposed sympathy with the forces of independence in Italy. I believe that Abbe Faria is a mix of enneagram type two (the helper, the giver, the mentor) and five (the investigator, the observer, the thinker). Abbe has a remarkable focus and ability to concentrate in the long-term. He sees everything for how it can be used - ripping apart every resource available in his prison cell to serve as paper, digging tools, and light. Abbe is very intelligent. Many people believe he is crazy but he is kind and helps out Edmond while in prison.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
ALBERT MONDEGO
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
Complete
Blake McCormick
MAXIMILIEN MORREL
start
Event
Maximilian Morrell is the character I chose. The event that was key to developing Maximilian was the death of his love, Valentine. There had been many deaths revolving around this one, and there was already an attempt on her. After the news of her death, he was in his room, and he was writing his death letter, because he was ready to kill himself. Before he could, the count walks in and stops him like he stopped Maximilian’s father. He took Maximilian under his wing almost as his son. Maximilian, who was a soldier, was a brave young man, but was not mentally ready for the death of his beloved. After this event, he started to behave weird and was quiet for about a day. He had a plan to kill himself but the count stopped him. : “I repeat that you want to kill yourself, replied the count. “And here is my proof!” He then proceeds to walk over to the desk and hold up the letter that the young man had placed over there. Maximilien tried to get it back but the count grabbed him. Maximilien then says,”What if I am going to kill myself?” He says “All of my hopes are ruined, my heart is broken, my life is ended and there is nothing around me but mourning and dismay.”
CONTINUE
Expertise and Enneagram
Being a Soldier, Maximilian was an expert in leadership, and would never give up no matter what would happen. He had skills with pistols, and even though they almost killed him, he still uses them for the best. Maximilian enneagram type 2 the helper, enneagram type 2 is an empathetic sincere type of person they have the basic fear of being unwanted and unworthy of being loved. Although he has these things, he has his elbow reaches fir #4 which is stress. After the attempted murder in the girl who he loves most valentine, it stressed him out so much that he was about
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Over time, Maximilien is viewed as a boy who has a passion for his love, and will do anything to save his love, Valentine from death. The count views him almost as a son, and takes him under his wing. All people want to see Maximilien succeed in his life, but all show support after the attempted murder of Valentine. Maximlien made an ethical decision, after he learned of the horrible news of Valentine, He went back to his room, locked himself and started to write a letter about how he would kill himself.
CONTINUE
COMPLETE!
CHARACTER
Continue
Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
ALBERT de MORCERF
MaximiliEn Morrel
Complete
Shiven Makkena
ALBERT de MORCERF
start
Event
An event that was key to developing Albert’s character was his trip to Rome where he meets the Count and is indebted to him because the Count saved his life. His motivation for the event was to partake in an Italian carnival, “Baron Franz d’Epinay and Viscount Albert de Morcerf…had decided to go to Rome for the carnival” (Dumas, 131). Albert displays his charismatic and charming personality while attending social gatherings, “Franz, Albert, and the Count of Monte Cristo approached the Piazza del Popolo” (Dumas, 140). Albert also displayed his personality, “He also threw a bouquet into the carriage. One of the ladies was apparently touched by this gallant gesture, for when the…carriage passed [again]...she threw a bouquet...into it” (Dumas, 145).
CONTINUE
Expertise
Although the story never details if Albert retained a job or not, Albert’s personality gives him plenty of expertise which helped him survive. Albert is a very compassionate person but he believed the Count was directly responsible for his father’s exposé, “Maximillien leaned close to [the count’s] ear and asked, ‘What have you done to him?’ ‘Nothing,’ replied the Count. ‘His father’s misfortune has made him lose his head’” (Dumas, 372). Although Albert challenged the Count to a duel, he canceled it soon after because of his love for his mother, who explained to him that the Count was not responsible for Fernand’s downfall. His compassion and bravery (his expertise) allowed him to apologize without losing his pride instead of getting killed by the count in a duel.
CONTINUE
Kohlberg's Moral Development
Albert de Morcerf can be classified in the third level of Kohlberg’s Moral Development. This means that Albert takes into account moral principles and values when making decisions instead of just social norms and rules. One example of his post-conventional level of moral development is his compassion and empathy for others. In the novel, Albert realizes how much the Count has suffered and was able to cancel the duel he set up because his mother had told him the count’s history, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did.
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Over Time
Details
Albert de Morcerf is adventurous and curious and you can easily see this when Albert and the Count meet for the first time. Albert is immediately drawn to the Count because of his mysterious personality and the endearing stories that he tells, “‘You disapprove of dueling then? You would refuse to fight a duel?’ asked Albert, astonished to hear such a strange theory” (Dumas, 139)
At the start of the book, Albert is adventurous and carefree, relying on only rules and social norms to make decisions, classifying him as a level two on Kohlberg’s Moral Development. After Albert realizes that he was only a pawn for the Count, he becomes more cautious and starts taking in others’ feelings as well as his own. For example, Albert realizes why the Count took revenge on Fernand and apologized to the Count, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did” (Dumas, 384).
CONTINUE
Depth and Complexity
Multiple Perspectives
While other characters like Danglars, Caderousse, or the Count are seeking retribution, wealth, or status, Albert is driven by curiosity and excitement. Although he isn’t consumed by ambition like others in the story, his naivety allows him to fall into the Count’s hands. One example of this is his attending of the carnival in Rome. While the Count is driven by his need for revenge, Albert is carefree and easygoing, “Albert snatched [the bouquet] up and...put it triumphantly in his buttonhole” (Dumas, 145). If Mercedes had not informed Albert about the history of the Count, Albert would have become vengeful towards those who wronged him.
CONTINUE
Ethics
One of many ethical implications in the novel is justice and fairness. While grappling with the fact that his father has been charged with a terrible crime, Albert has to decide whether to remain loyal to his father or to move on and abandon his father. He ultimately chooses the one which he believes is morally correct, even if it may be difficult. This action gives Albert a strong moral compass. According to Kohlberg’s Moral Development and evidence from the book, Albert is a level 3 on the Moral Development scale. This details that when making decisions, Albert takes values and beliefs into account along with rules and norms. This explains why Albert challenged the Count to a duel, as he didn’t understand the motives the Count had when taking vengeance on Fernand, “‘I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did” (Dumas, 384). Philosophical ideals such as utilitarianism or moral relativism help define a character by using their decisions to create a moral or lesson. From a utilitarianism perspective, Albert’s decision to challenge the Count to a duel was a morally correct decision because his apology later on ensured that no one was hurt and that everyone left the site feeling relieved.
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CHARACTER
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Characters
Edmond Dantes
Abbe Faria
Albert de MORCERF
MaximiliEn Morrel
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CHARACTER ANALYSIS
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