The Count of Monte Cristo – Week Three

The noose is beginning to tighten around the prey. Those who feel the tightening noose have no idea what is going on, but the appearance of the Count of Monte Cristo in Paris has thrown the wealthy into an uproar. Anyone who is anybody wants to make his acquaintance and claim him as a friend. There are very few who can profess him to be a true friend. Alfred is one who can claim that friendship.

Danglars, Villefort, and Morserf are all dancing to the tune of the Count, although none of them know it. The lines for revenge have been drawn so perfectly and subtlety, that not even the brightest among them suspects the other for the misfortunes that are being shared. The lives of each are entangled with the other, yet they remain oblivious to the shared constraint that has been placed.

With the invitation to the Count’s home, the beginnings of the plot are unfolded, and the stage is set! Now all that is needed is a little romance.. cue the young couples here. While each of the parents are off busily making their own plans for their off-springs future, the children themselves have a little bit of resistance to the plans. As the romances unfurl a bit more, and the lines begin to be drawn, the stage is set for a perfect storm! What else could be better! Love, revenge and wealth. They go together like three peas in a pod!

While we work through our chapters this week, we will see heartbreak, murder, and more!

This week we are reading Chapters 61-90:

Questions:

1. As we watch Edmond Dantes lay his trap a little closer to home, why is it that you think none of them suspected him?

2. Money gets you into many places that others only dream about. With the wealth of the world seemingly at his disposal, Edmond has been dancing through the circles of the Paris aristocracy. Why do you think he has allowed such an air of mystery to build? Do you think he is enjoying watching others guess about his background? How could this backfire on him?

3. If you were placed in this story, which character could you most relate to thus far, and why?