The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The Departure explained
The Count of Monte Cristo visits Emmanuel and Julie Morrel to take Maximilian Morrel on a journey, aiming to cure his melancholy after Valentine's death.
What happens
The Count of Monte Cristo visits Emmanuel and Julie Morrel to take Maximilian Morrel on a journey, aiming to cure his melancholy after Valentine's death. The chapter also includes Monte Cristo's final farewell to Mercédès, who chooses a life of prayer and poverty, and his departure from Paris, reflecting on his transformation and the fulfillment of his revenge.
Themes in this chapter
Forgiveness and Redemption
Monte Cristo seeks to restore Maximilian's happiness and offers Mercédès a chance at peace, showing a turn from revenge to benevolence.
Love and Loss
Maximilian's grief for Valentine and Mercédès's mourning for both Edmond and Fernand highlight the enduring pain of lost love.
Identity and Transformation
Monte Cristo reflects on his metamorphosis from a trusting sailor to a vengeful, then merciful, figure, while Mercédès chooses a new life of humility.
Characters to notice
- Edmond Dantès
As the Count of Monte Cristo, he orchestrates Maximilian's departure and bids farewell to Mercédès, reflecting on his journey of revenge and transformation.
- Maximilian Morrel
Grief-stricken after Valentine's death, he passively agrees to accompany Monte Cristo, showing apathy and indifference.
- Mercédès
She has a final, emotional conversation with Monte Cristo, renouncing wealth and choosing a life of prayer, living between the graves of her past loves.
- Julie Morrel
She expresses concern for her brother Maximilian and gratitude to Monte Cristo, pleading for his return to happiness.
- Emmanuel Herbault
He converses with Julie about the recent catastrophes and bids farewell to Maximilian and Monte Cristo.
- Ali
The Nubian slave carries out Monte Cristo's orders, delivering a letter to Noirtier and signaling acceptance.
Key passages
“Great city, murmured he, inclining his head, and joining his hands as if in prayer, less than six months have elapsed since first I entered thy gates. I believe that the Spirit of God led my steps to thee and that he also enables me to quit thee in triumph; the secret cause of my presence within thy walls I have”
Monte Cristo prays over Paris, acknowledging that divine guidance brought him there and now allows him to leave victorious, having fulfilled his hidden purpose.
Monte Cristo's reflection on his mission in Paris, blending triumph with spiritual gratitude.
“I desire but one thing in this world, Edmond—the happiness of my son.”
Mercédès tells Monte Cristo that her only wish is for Albert's well-being.
Mercédès expresses her selfless love for her son, prioritizing his happiness over her own.
“Restore my brother to peace and happiness, whispered Julie to Monte Cristo.”
Julie quietly asks Monte Cristo to bring Maximilian back to a state of joy and calm.
Julie's plea reflects her deep concern for Maximilian's emotional recovery.