Literary Devices in The Count of Monte Cristo
Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
As you've probably noticed, The Count is a strictly hands-off kind of guy. He never kills anyone, never stabs, shoots, or strangles any of his enemies – even though you can tell he really, re...
Setting
Strap on your traveling shoes, because the Count's going to take you all over the world. First thing's first; let's set the historical scene for you.The TimesSeparating the historical and political...
Narrator Point of View
Dumas has total control of the book's narrative – sort of like the Count himself when you think about it. He can switch the focus of the story abruptly, as he does when we're first introduced...
Genre
It's got tons of treasure, a secret island hideout, secret identities, duels, gory executions, bandits and smugglers galore, all topped with a healthy serving of revenge. If that's not adventure, w...
Tone
Could it really be any other way? Dumas tackles a lot of weighty material, and he recognizes it as such. Many of the Count's machinations – forcing Albert and Franz to watch the execution, bu...
Writing Style
Dumas doesn't mess around; like the Count himself, he's not one to mince words. There's simply too much story to tell, too much to waste on flowery language. Dumas was getting paid by the line, so...
What's Up With the Title?
The Count of Monte Cristo, despite all of its unbelievable (unbelievable in the best possible way, the "oh man, no way did he just do that" way) action and adventure, draws heavily on fact –...
What's Up With the Ending?
If you've read the "What's Up With the Title?" section, you already know that there's some serious Christian symbolism going on in The Count of Monte Cristo. (If you haven't read that section, now...
Tough-o-Meter
There are a few things to consider here. The Count of Monte Cristo is, first and foremost, a rip-rollicking adventure story, filled with action and intrigue. In short, it's meant to entertain you,...
Plot Analysis
Edmond Dantès is young, handsome and talented. Back home from a long voyage, he's set to become captain and marry his beautiful fiancée Mercédès.Edmond's really got everything going for him at...
Booker's Seven Basic Plots Analysis
This is a tough one, because there's really nothing basic about The Count of Monte Cristo. The book seems to fit into a number of categories, at least at first glance. It's a rags to riches story...
Three Act Plot Analysis
Edmond is betrayed.Edmond becomes the Count; The Count gets ready.The Count gets even…but he overdoes it a little bit and has to reconsider his actions. He makes amends, then disappears into the...
Trivia
Dumas had at least four children out of wedlock while being married to the actress Ida Ferrier. (Source)Dumas built a home called the Chateau de Monte-Cristo. (Source)Dumas's grandmother (his fathe...
Steaminess Rating
You'll find lots of adventure, blood, sweat, and tears in this big novel, but nothing too steamy. Romeo-and-Juliet moments are everywhere (seriously), and lovers of all sorts abound, but Dumas deci...
Allusions
4.10: "Seek and ye shall find." Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:915.7: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin Belshazzar's feast (Daniel 5, specifically 5:25)17.206: The Ascension (of Jesus).31.100: Calvary, the hill on...