# The Will explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## What happens

Noirtier, paralyzed and unable to speak, dictates his will through a system of eye signals interpreted by Valentine. Despite Villefort's objections, a notary is brought in and the process is validated. Noirtier makes clear that he disinherits Valentine if she marries Franz d'Épinay, and intends to leave his fortune to charity rather than to his son or grandson, asserting his defiance of Villefort's plans.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Providence

Noirtier's will is an act of defiance against Villefort's plans, steering the fate of the family toward his own design.

### Betrayal and Deception

Villefort attempts to manipulate the legal process and deceive the notary about Noirtier's mental state, betraying his father's autonomy.

### Wealth and Corruption

The struggle over Noirtier's fortune reveals the corrupting influence of money on family relationships, as Villefort and his wife scheme for control.

## Character check-ins

### Noirtier de Villefort

Dictates his will through eye signals, disinheriting Valentine if she marries Franz d'Épinay and leaving his fortune to charity.

### Valentine de Villefort

Interprets Noirtier's eye signals for the notary, showing deep loyalty and understanding of her grandfather's wishes.

### Gérard de Villefort

Opposes the will-making process, attempts to challenge Noirtier's mental capacity, and insists on Valentine's marriage to Franz d'Épinay.

### Héloïse de Villefort

Hopes for her son Edward to inherit, but is disappointed when Noirtier rejects him as heir.

### Barrois

Summons the notary and assists in the proceedings, anticipating his master's needs.

## Key lines

> The first thing necessary to render an act valid is, that the notary should be thoroughly convinced that he has faithfully interpreted the will and wishes of the person dictating the act.

For a legal document to be valid, the notary must be certain that he has correctly understood the intentions of the person making it.

_The notary explains the legal requirement for interpreting a client's wishes, especially when the client cannot speak._

> I can discover and explain to you my grandfather’s thoughts, so as to put an end to all your doubts and fears on the subject.

I can figure out and convey my grandfather's thoughts to you, resolving any concerns you might have.

_Valentine reassures the notary that she can accurately interpret Noirtier's wishes through their established system of eye signals._

> It is my wish that she should marry M. Franz d'Épinay—and she shall marry him.

I want her to marry Franz d'Épinay, and I will ensure that it happens.

_Villefort asserts his authority over Valentine's marriage, directly opposing Noirtier's wishes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters/lix-the-will
- 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