The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
I: Marseilles—The Arrival explained
The Pharaon arrives in Marseilles on February 24, 1815.
What happens
The Pharaon arrives in Marseilles on February 24, 1815. Young mate Edmond Dantès informs owner Morrel that Captain Leclère died of brain fever. Dantès reports that the cargo is safe and that he stopped at Elba as instructed, where he spoke with Napoleon. Morrel is pleased and hints at making Dantès captain. Dantès asks for leave to visit his father and his betrothed, Mercédès. Meanwhile, supercargo Danglars subtly sows suspicion about Dantès' actions.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Dantès, a young sailor of modest origins, is on the verge of becoming captain, symbolizing the possibility of rising through merit and hard work.
Fate and Providence
Morrel remarks 'There's a providence that watches over the deserving,' and Dantès' fortunes seem to align with a benevolent fate, though darker forces are already at work.
Betrayal and Deception
Danglars subtly plants suspicion about Dantès' actions at Elba, foreshadowing the betrayal that will lead to Dantès' arrest.
Characters to notice
- Edmond Dantès
Returns as mate of the Pharaon; reports the captain's death and his stop at Elba; is promised the captaincy; eager to see his father and Mercédès.
- Policar Morrel
Shipowner who welcomes Dantès; pleased with the voyage; hints at promoting Dantès to captain; mentions his uncle who served with Napoleon.
- Baron Danglars
Supercargo on the Pharaon; subtly tries to undermine Dantès by mentioning a letter from Captain Leclère to Morrel.
- Mercédès
Dantès' betrothed; eagerly awaiting his return; has inquired about the Pharaon three times.
- Old Dantès
Dantès' father; proud and reclusive; Dantès is anxious to see him.
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Emperor in exile on Elba; spoke with Dantès during the ship's stop, asking about the vessel and cargo.
Key passages
“On the 24th of February, 1815, the lookout at Notre-Dame de la Garde signalled the three-master, the Pharaon from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples.”
The novel begins on February 24, 1815, when the ship Pharaon is sighted approaching Marseilles.
Establishes the precise date and setting of the opening scene.
“I must again excuse myself, M. Morrel, for after this first visit has been paid I have another which I am most anxious to pay.”
Dantès explains that after seeing his father, he must visit his fiancée Mercédès.
Highlights Dantès' priorities: family and love.
“If I were sole owner we'd shake hands on it now, my dear Dantès, and call it settled; but I have a partner, and you know the Italian proverb— Chi ha compagno ha padrone —‘He who has a partner has a master.’”
Morrel says he would make Dantès captain immediately if he were the only owner, but he must consult his partner.
Foreshadows obstacles to Dantès' promotion and the theme of limited power.
“I believe, if she had not been laden, and I had been her master, he would have bought her. But I told him I was only mate, and that she belonged to the firm of Morrel & Son.”
Dantès recounts that Napoleon asked about the ship and seemed interested in buying it, but Dantès explained he was just the mate.
Shows Dantès' encounter with Napoleon and his honesty.
