The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
LXXXIII: The Hand of God explained
Caderousse, mortally wounded by Benedetto, is attended by Monte Cristo disguised as Abbé Busoni.
What happens
Caderousse, mortally wounded by Benedetto, is attended by Monte Cristo disguised as Abbé Busoni. As he dies, Monte Cristo reveals his true identity, leading Caderousse to a final, desperate repentance before succumbing to his wounds.
Themes in this chapter
Forgiveness and Redemption
Monte Cristo offers Caderousse a chance for repentance, emphasizing God's mercy even in the face of death.
Fate and Providence
Monte Cristo frames Caderousse's death as an act of divine justice, asserting that Providence governs all events.
Revenge and Justice
Caderousse's murder by Benedetto is presented as God's vengeance, and Monte Cristo refrains from intervening, seeing it as just punishment.
Characters to notice
- Gaspard Caderousse
Mortally wounded by Benedetto, he confesses and dies after Monte Cristo reveals his identity.
- Edmond Dantès
Disguised as Abbé Busoni, he attends Caderousse, administers a restorative, and reveals his true identity, declaring divine justice.
- Andrea Cavalcanti
Revealed as Benedetto, Caderousse's murderer and former galley comrade.
- Gérard de Villefort
Summoned as the king's attorney to witness Caderousse's deposition.
- Ali
Assists Monte Cristo in moving Caderousse and is sent to fetch Villefort and a surgeon.
Key passages
“My God! he exclaimed, thy vengeance is sometimes delayed, but only that it may fall the more effectually.”
Monte Cristo reflects that divine punishment may be slow but is ultimately more powerful.
Monte Cristo's reaction to Caderousse's fatal wounds, underscoring the theme of delayed justice.
“I will say he had doubtless given you the plan of this house, in the hope the count would kill you.”
Monte Cristo promises to testify that Benedetto gave Caderousse the house plan, expecting the count to kill him.
Monte Cristo outlines the evidence he will provide to ensure Benedetto's punishment.
“There is a Providence; there is a God, of whom you are a striking proof, as you lie in utter despair, denying him, while I stand before you, rich, happy, safe and entreating that God in whom you endeavor not to believe, while in your heart you still believe in him.”
Monte Cristo tells Caderousse that his own desperate state proves God's existence, contrasting it with Monte Cristo's prosperous and secure position.
Monte Cristo's argument for divine providence, using their contrasting fates as evidence.