# M. Noirtier de Villefort explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## What happens

Villefort and his wife inform the paralyzed Noirtier of their plan to marry Valentine to Franz d'Épinay, the son of a man Noirtier had a hand in killing. Noirtier's silent fury is expressed only through his eyes, and he demands to see Valentine, who later learns of his anger and realizes it stems from the marriage arrangement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Villefort and his wife deceive Noirtier by presenting the marriage as a fait accompli, while Valentine's silence about the engagement is seen by her grandfather as a betrayal of their bond.

### Revenge and Justice

Noirtier's past involvement in the assassination of Franz's father casts a shadow over the proposed union, raising questions of vengeance and moral justice.

### Fate and Providence

The marriage arrangement seems to force a convergence of past sins and present plans, as if fate is compelling the children of enemies to unite.

## Character check-ins

### Gérard de Villefort

Leads the conversation with his father, coldly announcing Valentine's engagement to Franz d'Épinay, fully aware of the old man's political hatred for the d'Épinay family.

### Noirtier de Villefort

The paralyzed patriarch, whose only means of communication is through his eyes. He reacts with fury to the news of Valentine's betrothal to the son of his old enemy.

### Héloïse de Villefort

Accompanies her husband to Noirtier's room and adds details about the proposed marriage, including Franz d'Épinay's background and the assassination of his father.

### Valentine de Villefort

Summoned to her grandfather after her parents leave; she discerns his anger and realizes it is directed at her for keeping the marriage secret.

### Barrois

The faithful servant of twenty-five years, dismissed by Villefort so the private conversation can take place.

## Key lines

> Sight and hearing were the only senses remaining, and they, like two solitary sparks, remained to animate the miserable body which seemed fit for nothing but the grave; it was only, however, by means of one of these senses that he could reveal the thoughts and feelings that still occupied his mind, and the look by which he gave expression to his inner life was like the distant gleam of a candle which a traveller sees by night across some desert place, and knows that a living being dwells beyond the silence and obscurity.

Noirtier could only see and hear; his body was otherwise lifeless. His eyes alone conveyed his inner thoughts, like a distant candle in the dark signaling that a person still lives.

_Describes Noirtier's condition and the symbolic power of his gaze as his only means of expression._

> Noirtier’s look was furious; it was very evident that something desperate was passing in the old man’s mind, for a cry of anger and grief rose in his throat, and not being able to find vent in utterance, appeared almost to choke him, for his face and lips turned quite purple with the struggle.

Noirtier's eyes blazed with fury; a silent scream of rage and sorrow seemed to strangle him, turning his face purple as he fought to express his feelings.

_Highlights Noirtier's intense emotional reaction to the marriage announcement, which he cannot voice._

## Links

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