# The Rendezvous explained — The Count of Monte Cristo

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

## What happens

Albert de Morcerf and Franz d'Épinay discuss the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, with Albert defending the count's character and expressing gratitude for his rescue from bandits. Albert invites the count to Paris, offering to introduce him into fashionable society, and the count accepts. The chapter ends with Albert departing for Paris and leaving a card with his address for the count.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Transformation

The count's mysterious past and his plan to enter Parisian society under a new identity highlight themes of transformation and hidden motives.

### Class and Social Mobility

Albert's offer to introduce the count into fashionable society underscores the importance of social connections and class in Paris.

## Character check-ins

### Albert de Morcerf

Albert insists on visiting the count to thank him again, defends the count's mysterious nature, and offers to introduce him to Parisian society.

### Franz d'Épinay

Franz is cautious about the count's influence and questions his background, but ultimately agrees to accompany Albert.

### Edmond Dantès

The Count of Monte Cristo accepts Albert's offer of introduction to Paris, displaying a peculiar smile when mentioning the name Morcerf.

## Key lines

> He is a philanthropist; and no doubt his motive in visiting Paris is to compete for the Monthyon prize, given, as you are aware, to whoever shall be proved to have most materially advanced the interests of virtue and humanity.

Albert suggests the count is a philanthropist aiming for the Monthyon prize for advancing virtue.

_Albert humorously speculates on the count's motives for visiting Paris._

> I am wholly a stranger to Paris—it is a city I have never yet seen.

The count admits he has never visited Paris before.

_The count reveals his unfamiliarity with Paris, setting up his entry into society._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_count_of_monte_cristo_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-rendezvous
- 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