The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The Ball explained
At a grand ball, the Count of Monte Cristo arrives and captivates the Parisian elite with his mysterious presence.
What happens
At a grand ball, the Count of Monte Cristo arrives and captivates the Parisian elite with his mysterious presence. Albert de Morcerf introduces Maximilian Morrel to Madame de Villefort, who coldly acknowledges him. Monte Cristo declines all refreshments, which Mercédès observes with concern. Danglars is unsettled by Monte Cristo's news of a bank failure. Mercédès eventually takes Monte Cristo's arm to lead the guests into the garden.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Corruption
Monte Cristo's immense fortune and mysterious origins captivate the Parisian elite, while Danglars' anxiety over financial loss reveals the precarious nature of wealth and the corruption it breeds.
Identity and Transformation
Monte Cristo's dual identity as both a mysterious count and the former Edmond Dantès is hinted at through his refusal to eat in the Morcerf home and his significant, meaningful presence.
Characters to notice
- Edmond Dantès
Enters the ball as the Count of Monte Cristo, drawing universal attention with his pale complexion, dark eyes, and mysterious aura. He refuses all food and drink, causing Mercédès to worry.
- Mercédès
As Madame de Morcerf, she watches Monte Cristo intently, noting his refusal to eat or drink. She asks Albert to persuade him, then leads the count into the garden on her arm.
- Albert de Morcerf
Hosts the ball, introduces Maximilian Morrel to Madame de Villefort, and converses with Monte Cristo about the other guests. He attempts to persuade the count to take refreshment at his mother's request.
- Maximilian Morrel
Presented by Albert to Madame de Villefort, who treats him coldly. He exchanges a silent, loving glance with Valentine across the room.
- Valentine de Villefort
Seen near the door with a bouquet of myosotis, she gazes at Maximilian Morrel and raises the flowers to her lips in a secret greeting.
- Baron Danglars
Approaches Monte Cristo and Albert, expressing indifference to his title. He is visibly disturbed by Monte Cristo's news of the Frankfurt bankers' bankruptcy, which affects his own finances.
Key passages
“I wager anything that I know what you were about to say. ... You were going to ask me if the Count of Monte Cristo had arrived, or was expected.”
Albert bets Madame de Villefort that he can guess her question: whether the Count of Monte Cristo has arrived.
Shows the count's prominence in conversation even before his entrance.
“Monte Cristo is the name of an island, and he has a family name. ... his name is Zaccone. ... He is a Maltese. ... The son of a shipowner.”
Madame de Villefort shares gossip that Monte Cristo's real name is Zaccone, that he is Maltese, and the son of a shipowner.
Reveals the rumors circulating about Monte Cristo's background.
“Do not introduce me to any of these gentlemen; and should they wish it, you will warn me.”
Monte Cristo asks Albert not to introduce him to the other guests and to warn him if they try to approach.
Highlights Monte Cristo's desire for distance and control over his social interactions.
“The count has never been willing to partake of food under the roof of M. de Morcerf.”
Mercédès observes that Monte Cristo has never eaten anything in the Morcerf home.
Foreshadows the count's deep personal connection and unresolved feelings toward Mercédès.
