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.”
“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?”

From The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
How does point of view help readers understand what a character or characters think or feel in this excerpt?
1 answer
The point of view in this excerpt from "The Count of Monte Cristo" is primarily third-person limited, focusing on Edmond Dantès and his relationship with his father. This perspective allows readers to gain insight into the emotions and thoughts of both characters, creating a deeper understanding of their feelings during their reunion.
Edmond's Perspective: The reader is privy to Edmond's thoughts and concerns about his father's well-being. His alarm at seeing his father pale and trembling reveals his deep care and affection. The use of direct dialogue, like "Come, come, cheer up, my dear father!" emphasizes Edmond's desire to bring joy to his father despite the unexpectedness of his visit. This reveals his optimistic and affectionate nature, as he seeks to reassure his father about their future happiness.
Old Man's Perspective: Through the third-person narrative, readers also get a glimpse of the old man's emotions. His initial shock and the physical reaction of falling into Edmond's arms convey a mix of joy and frailty. The old man's words, "Ah, I feel as if I were going to die," illustrate the overwhelming feelings of surprise and happiness that can accompany deep emotional moments, highlighting his vulnerability and the intensity of their connection.
Contrast in Emotions: The juxtaposition of their feelings—Edmond's excitement and the father's frailty—creates a poignant tension in the scene. The readers can sense the weight of past hardships and the joy of reunion, enhancing the emotional depth of the moment.
Overall, the choice of a third-person limited point of view allows readers to connect intimately with both characters, fostering empathy and a richer understanding of their relationship dynamics in this pivotal moment.
1 answer