In this excerpt from "The Count of Monte Cristo," Dantès contributes to the theme of joy intertwined with sorrow and unexpected fortune. His return home brings immense joy to his father, yet it is tinged with an undercurrent of anxiety about the future and the loss associated with his unexpected promotion. Dantès expresses guilt for his good fortune, stating, "God forgive me... for rejoicing at happiness derived from the misery of others," highlighting the moral complexity of success that comes at a cost. This internal conflict sets the stage for the novel’s exploration of the duality of happiness and tragedy, as Dantès grapples with the consequences of his ascent in life amid the backdrop of others' misfortunes.
The Count of Monte
Cristo
by Alexandre Dumas
This room was occupied by Dantes' father. The news of the arrival of the _Pharaon_ had not yet reached the old man,
who, mounted on a chair, was amusing himself by training with trembling hand the nasturtiums and sprays of clematis that clambered over the trellis at his window. Suddenly, he felt an arm thrown around his body, and a well-known voice behind him exclaimed, "Father-dear father!"
The old man uttered a cry, and turned round; then, seeing his son, he fell into his arms, pale and trembling.
"What ails you, my dearest father? Are you ill?" inquired the young man, much alarmed.
"No, no, my dear Edmond-my boy-my son!—no; but I did not expect you; and joy, the surprise of seeing you so suddenly-Ah, I feel as if I were going to die."
"Come, come, cheer up, my dear father! 'Tis I-really I! They say joy never hurts, and so I came to you without any warning.
Come now, do smile, instead of looking at me so solemnly.
Here I am back again, and we are going to be happy."
"Yes, yes, my boy, so we will—so we will," replied the old man;
"but how shall we be happy? Shall you never leave me again?
Come, tell me all the good fortune that has befallen you."
"God forgive me,
" said the young man, "for rejoicing at
happiness derived from the misery of others, but, Heaven knows, I did not seek this good fortune; it has happened, and I really cannot pretend to lament it. The good Captain Leclere is dead, father, and it is probable that, with the aid of M. Morrel, I shall have his place. Do you understand, father? Only imagine me a captain at twenty, with a hundred louis pay, and a share in the profits! Is this not more than a poor sailor like me could have hoped for?"
"Yes, my dear boy," replied the old man, "it is very fortunate."
"Well, then, with the first money I touch, I mean you to have a small house, with a garden in which to plant clematis, nasturtiums, and honeysuckle. But what ails you, father? Are you not well?™
"Tis nothing, nothing; it will soon pass away"— and as he said so the old man's strength failed him, and he fell backwards.
"Come, come," said the young man, "a glass of wine, father, will revive you. Where do you keep your wine?"
"No, no; thanks. You need not look for it; I do not want it," said the old man.
In 3-5 sentences, explain how Dantès contributes to the development of a theme. Provide samples from the text to support your answer.
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