The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The Beggar explained
As the evening concludes at Monte Cristo's estate, the guests depart in various carriages.
What happens
As the evening concludes at Monte Cristo's estate, the guests depart in various carriages. Danglars, impressed by Major Cavalcanti and his supposed son Andrea, offers them a ride, while Andrea is confronted by the beggar Caderousse, who recognizes him as Benedetto. Caderousse blackmails Andrea for money, and they strike a deal for monthly payments. Andrea, frustrated but cautious, agrees to pay Caderousse to keep his past hidden.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Andrea Cavalcanti's rise from poverty to a wealthy heir, facilitated by Monte Cristo, highlights the artificial nature of social status and the ease with which identity can be fabricated.
Betrayal and Deception
Caderousse's blackmail of Andrea and the false identities of the Cavalcantis illustrate the pervasive deceit among the characters.
Wealth and Corruption
Danglars' admiration for the Cavalcantis' supposed wealth and Andrea's payment to silence Caderousse show how money corrupts and enables exploitation.
Characters to notice
- Andrea Cavalcanti
Revealed to be Benedetto, he is confronted by Caderousse and forced into a blackmail arrangement.
- Gaspard Caderousse
Disguised as a beggar, he recognizes Andrea and extorts money from him, threatening to expose his past.
- Baron Danglars
Fascinated by Major Cavalcanti and his son, he offers them a ride and plans to meet them on business.
- Major Bartolomeo Cavalcanti
Impressing Danglars with his demeanor and wealth, he is taken into Danglars' carriage.
- Count of Monte Cristo
Observes the interactions between Villefort and Madame Danglars, and orchestrates the evening's events.
- Madame Danglars
Uneasy during the evening, she returns to Paris in Villefort's carriage.
- Gérard de Villefort
Signals the departure and offers Madame Danglars a seat in his landau, showing concern for his wife.
Key passages
““How have I deceived you?” “ ‘How,’ do you ask? When we parted at the Pont du Var, you told me you were going to travel through Piedmont and Tuscany; but instead of that, you come to Paris.””
Andrea denies deceiving Caderousse, but Caderousse points out that Andrea lied about his travel plans.
Caderousse confronts Andrea about his broken promise to stay away from Paris.
““I think that with a hundred francs a month—” “Well?” “I could live—” “Upon a hundred francs!” “Come—you understand me; but that with—” “With?” “With a hundred and fifty francs I should be quite happy.” “Here are two hundred,” said Andrea; and he placed ten gold louis in the hand of Caderousse.”
Caderousse demands a monthly allowance, and Andrea gives him 200 francs upfront to secure his silence.
Andrea pays Caderousse to prevent him from revealing his true identity.
““What? a real father?” “Yes, so long as he pays me—” “You’ll honor and believe him—that’s right. What is his name?” “Major Cavalcanti.””
Caderousse is surprised to learn that Andrea has found a father, and Andrea admits he only respects him as long as he receives money.
Andrea reveals the transactional nature of his relationship with Major Cavalcanti.
