# The Island of Monte Cristo explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## What happens

Dantès, now going by the name of the Maltese, manipulates his companions into leaving him alone on the island of Monte Cristo by feigning a dangerous fall. After the smugglers depart, he is left with supplies to search for the treasure revealed by Abbé Faria.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Providence

Dantès views his opportunity to land on Monte Cristo as a stroke of fortune, believing Providence guides him toward the treasure.

### Wealth and Corruption

Dantès' desire for wealth intensifies as he contemplates the treasure, contrasting his earlier longing for mere liberty.

### Identity and Transformation

Dantès adopts the alias 'the Maltese' and begins to transform from a prisoner into a man of purpose and power.

## Character check-ins

### Edmond Dantès

Feigns injury to be left alone on Monte Cristo; driven by hope and the desire for Faria's treasure.

### Jacopo

Offers to stay behind and care for Dantès, showing loyalty and friendship.

### Abbé Faria

Referenced as the wise mentor whose revelation of the treasure motivates Dantès' actions.

## Key lines

> Thus, at length, by one of the unexpected strokes of fortune which sometimes befall those who have for a long time been the victims of an evil destiny, Dantès was about to secure the opportunity he wished for, by simple and natural means, and land on the island without incurring any suspicion.

After years of bad luck, Dantès finally gets a chance to land on Monte Cristo without raising suspicion, thanks to a lucky turn of events.

_Highlights the theme of fate and Dantès' strategic thinking._

> The wise, unerring Faria could not be mistaken in this one thing. Besides, it were better to die than to continue to lead this low and wretched life.

Dantès trusts Faria's revelation completely, believing that death is preferable to his current miserable existence.

_Shows Dantès' desperation and faith in Faria's wisdom._

> 'Tis strange that it should be among such men that we find proofs of friendship and devotion.

Dantès reflects on the irony that genuine loyalty comes from smugglers, not from the respectable society that wronged him.

_Emphasizes Dantès' isolation and his appreciation for Jacopo's kindness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters/xxiii-the-island-of-monte-cristo
- 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