# The Departure explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters/cxii-the-departure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters