The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The Waking explained
Franz d'Épinay awakens from his hashish-induced dream on Monte Cristo, finding himself in a grotto.
What happens
Franz d'Épinay awakens from his hashish-induced dream on Monte Cristo, finding himself in a grotto. He sees the yacht of his mysterious host, Sinbad the Sailor, departing. Franz then travels to Rome to meet Albert de Morcerf, where they struggle to secure a carriage for the Carnival due to high demand.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Transformation
Franz's dreamlike experience on Monte Cristo blurs the line between reality and illusion, highlighting the mysterious transformation of his host, Sinbad.
Wealth and Corruption
Albert's belief that money can solve any problem, such as securing a carriage, reflects the theme of wealth's power and its potential for corruption.
Characters to notice
- Franz d'Épinay
Awakens from his dream on Monte Cristo, observes the departure of Sinbad, and travels to Rome to meet Albert.
- Albert de Morcerf
Meets Franz in Rome at Signor Pastrini's hotel; displays a carefree attitude about securing a carriage for the Carnival.
- Sinbad the Sailor
Departs from Monte Cristo on his yacht, waving farewell to Franz; his identity remains mysterious.
- Gaetano
The patron of the boat; informs Franz of Sinbad's departure and offers to light a torch for exploring the grotto.
- Signor Pastrini
The innkeeper in Rome; initially denies Franz a room but later accommodates him and Albert, though he struggles to procure a carriage.
Key passages
“When Franz returned to himself, he seemed still to be in a dream. He thought himself in a sepulchre, into which a ray of sunlight in pity scarcely penetrated.”
Franz woke up feeling as if he were still dreaming, lying in a dark, tomb-like cave with only a faint beam of sunlight.
Describes Franz's disorientation upon waking from his hashish dream.
“The Signor Sinbad has left his compliments for your excellency, and desires us to express the regret he feels at not being able to take his leave in person; but he trusts you will excuse him, as very important business calls him to Malaga.”
Sinbad sends his regards and apologizes for not saying goodbye in person, as urgent business requires him to go to Malaga.
Gaetano conveys Sinbad's farewell message to Franz.
“Morcerf then, with that delighted philosophy which believes that nothing is impossible to a full purse or well-lined pocketbook, supped, went to bed, slept soundly, and dreamed he was racing all over Rome at Carnival time in a coach with six horses.”
Albert, confident that money can solve any problem, ate dinner, went to bed, and dreamed of racing through Rome in a six-horse carriage during Carnival.
Highlights Albert's carefree reliance on wealth.