Discussion Topic
Character analysis of Haydee in The Count of Monte Cristo
Summary:
Haydée in The Count of Monte Cristo is a loyal and graceful character. A former princess, she was enslaved and later freed by the Count. She deeply respects and loves the Count, embodying themes of loyalty and resilience. Her background and actions significantly contribute to the novel's exploration of justice and revenge.
What are Haydee's personality and physical traits in The Count of Monte Cristo?
Haydee, spoken of by Monte Cristo to de Villefort as his "slave," first appears in Chapter 47 of Dumas's great novel. As the "lovely Greek" who has been the Count's companion in Italy, Haydee is accompanied by the count's man, Ali. She speaks to Monte Cristo with great tenderness, kissing his hand as he responds with "gentle gravity." He is her protector, having bought her her freedom.
Despite his reserve with her, Monte Cristo gives orders to the waiting-women to treat Haydee with "all the respect and deference" they would give a queen. She reclines on luxurious cushions in her apartments that are separate from the rest of the house. As she lounges in the Eastern fashion with a small golden cap adorned with pearls atop her head and delicate slippers that curl up at the toe, her clothing is magnificent, brillant silken hues with fringe, and her cap of gold, embroidered with pearls is splendid.
The extreme beauty...
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of the countenance, that shone forth in loveliness that mocked the vain attempts of dress to augment it, was peculiarly and purely Grecian; there were the large, dark, melting eyes, the finely formed nose, the coral lips, and pearly teeth, that belonged to her race and country. And, to complete the whole, Haidee was in the very springtide and fulness of youthful charms -- she had not yet numbered more than twenty summers.
When the count visits her, he reminds Haydee that she is now free since they are in France, but she is entirely devoted to him, declaring that Monte Cristo's death would effect her own.
Later, in Chapter 77, Albert de Morcerf visits the Count and is introduced to Haydee. He also learns that she is the daughter of Ali Pacha and the beautiful Vasiliki, whom his father, the Count de Morcerf served. Unbeknownst to Albert, of course, is the fact that his father betrayed Ali Pacha, stole his treasures, and sold Haydee and her mother into slavery for four hundred thousand francs.. This information all comes out after an investigation is begun regarding reports about de Morcerf in the newspapers. In Chapter 86, Haydee verifies the truth of these reports that condemn the Count de Morcerf at the trial of Ferdinand Mondego, now Count de Morcerf. Even the Count of Monte Cristo did not know these truths.
Who is Haydee, the eventual love interest in The Count of Monte Cristo?
The Count of Monte Cristo purchases Haydee from a slave trader. She is a princess and was the daughter of Ali Pasha. Her father was betrayed by the Count de Morcef. The Count was supposed to be a loyal friend of her father's, but he sold him to his enemies. Morcef was able to infiltrate her father's compound. Haydee and her mother were taken captive after her father was killed. The Count of Monte Cristo bought her at a market and raised her in the luxury she was born to deserve. He was kind and caring towards her. One night at the Opera, Haydee sees de Morcef and is very upset. Later she testifies at his trial and secures his conviction. After the downfall of de Morcef's family, The Count of Monte Cristo and Haydee finally admit their feelings for one another.