# Danglars' Signature explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

> Chapter companion for The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Danglars, under pressure from Monte Cristo, is forced to honor his signature for five million francs in bonds, which Monte Cristo immediately claims. Later, Danglars deceives M. de Boville by offering Monte Cristo's receipt as payment, while secretly planning to flee Paris. Meanwhile, the Villefort household prepares for Valentine's funeral, with Villefort burying himself in work to avoid grief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Corruption

Danglars' manipulation of financial instruments and his deceitful dealings with M. de Boville illustrate the corrupting influence of wealth.

### Betrayal and Deception

Danglars deceives M. de Boville by offering Monte Cristo's receipt as payment while planning his own escape, betraying trust.

### Love and Loss

Villefort's grief over Valentine's death and his attempt to bury himself in work highlight the theme of personal loss.

## Character check-ins

### Baron Danglars

Forced to pay Monte Cristo five million francs in bonds; later deceives M. de Boville and plans to flee Paris.

### Edmond Dantès

As Monte Cristo, he cleverly secures Danglars' signature and the five million francs, then observes Danglars' distress.

### Gérard de Villefort

Grieving Valentine's death, he immerses himself in work and prepares the accusation against Benedetto.

### Dr. d'Avrigny

Visits Villefort and Noirtier in the morning, noting Noirtier's peaceful sleep despite his grief.

### Noirtier de Villefort

Found sleeping calmly in his armchair after Valentine's death, surprising Villefort and d'Avrigny.

### M. de Boville

Visits Danglars to collect charity funds; is deceived by Danglars into accepting Monte Cristo's receipt.

### Lucien Debray

Attends Valentine's funeral and comments on her death with Château-Renaud and Beauchamp.

### Raoul de Château-Renaud

Present at Valentine's funeral, recalling her recent appearance at the contract signing.

## Key lines

> If a fortune brings consolation, I ought to be consoled; I am rich.

Danglars claims that his wealth should comfort him in any distress.

_Danglars tries to justify his wealth to Monte Cristo._

> I will take the five scraps of paper that I now hold as bonds, with your signature alone, and here is a receipt in full for the six millions between us.

Monte Cristo decides to keep Danglars' signed bonds and offers a receipt for the full amount owed.

_Monte Cristo forces Danglars to honor his signature._

> Yes, come at twelve o’clock; I shall then be far away.

Danglars tells M. de Boville to come at noon, but he plans to have fled by then.

_Danglars deceives M. de Boville about his availability._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters