# LXVIII: A Summer Ball explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## What happens

Albert de Morcerf visits Monte Cristo after returning from Tréport with his mother. They discuss the upcoming ball at the Morcerf household, Albert's reluctance to marry Eugénie Danglars, and the mysterious nature of Monte Cristo. The count agrees to attend the ball after learning that Madame de Morcerf has invited him. Meanwhile, Bertuccio reports that Madame Danglars visited the Palais, and Monte Cristo sends him to Normandy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

The discussion of Andrea Cavalcanti's dubious title and the social maneuvering around marriages highlight the fluidity and pretense of social class.

### Betrayal and Deception

Monte Cristo's hidden motives and the deceptive nature of social interactions, such as Albert's feigned indifference and the count's cold demeanor, underscore themes of betrayal.

### Identity and Transformation

Monte Cristo is described as an enigma, with comparisons to Lord Ruthven and Cagliostro, emphasizing his mysterious and transformed identity.

## Character check-ins

### Edmond Dantès

Receives Albert de Morcerf with cold indifference, discusses the upcoming ball and Albert's engagement, and sends Bertuccio to Normandy.

### Albert de Morcerf

Visits Monte Cristo after returning from Tréport, expresses reluctance to marry Eugénie Danglars, and invites the count to the Morcerf ball.

### Mercédès

Returns to Paris with Albert and is mentioned as having invited Monte Cristo to the ball; Albert speaks admiringly of her.

### Baron Danglars

Mentioned as having dined with Monte Cristo and as being eager to marry off his daughter Eugénie.

### Eugénie Danglars

Discussed as Albert's intended spouse, whom he wishes to avoid marrying.

### Andrea Cavalcanti

Mentioned as having dined with Monte Cristo and as a potential suitor for Eugénie Danglars.

### Franz d'Épinay

Mentioned as being summoned by Villefort for his marriage to Valentine, and as a friend of Albert.

### Bertuccio

Reports to Monte Cristo about Madame Danglars' visit to the Palais and is sent to Normandy.

## Key lines

> It was a strange thing that no one ever appeared to advance a step in that man’s favor. Those who would, as it were, force a passage to his heart, found an impassable barrier.

No one could ever get closer to Monte Cristo; anyone trying to reach his heart met an insurmountable wall.

_Highlights Monte Cristo's emotional distance and mysterious nature._

> One may forsake a mistress, but a wife—good heavens! There she must always be; and to marry Mademoiselle Danglars would be awful.

You can leave a mistress, but a wife is forever; marrying Eugénie Danglars would be terrible.

_Albert expresses his dread of marrying Eugénie, contrasting a mistress with a wife._

> My mother is only astonished that you remain so long unsolved. I believe, while the Countess G⸺ takes you for Lord Ruthven, my mother imagines you to be Cagliostro or the Count Saint-Germain.

My mother is amazed you remain a mystery; while the Countess G thinks you're Lord Ruthven, my mother sees you as Cagliostro or Saint-Germain.

_Illustrates how Monte Cristo is perceived as a legendary, enigmatic figure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters/lxviii-a-summer-ball
- 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