The Count of Monte Cristo

by Alexandre Dumas

This room was occupied by Dantès’ 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.”

1 of 7
Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.

In 1 sentences, explain how Dantès contributes to the development of a theme. Provide samples from the text to support your answer.

(4 points)

1 answer

Dantès contributes to the theme of family and the profound impact of unexpected joy by exemplifying the strong emotional bond between father and son, as illustrated when he surprised his father with his return, which caused the old man to feel overwhelming joy and excitement, leading him to exclaim, “Ah, I feel as if I were going to die.”