Discussion Topic
Symbols and metaphors in The Count of Monte Cristo
Summary:
In The Count of Monte Cristo, symbols and metaphors play a significant role. The treasure on the Isle of Monte Cristo symbolizes ultimate power and transformation, while the sea represents freedom and rebirth. The red silk purse is a metaphor for both mercy and revenge, reflecting the dual nature of the protagonist's journey.
What are some symbols or metaphors in The Count of Monte Cristo and their meanings?
Perhaps the most salient symbol in "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas is the little red purse that originally belongs to Edmund Dantes father. This purse originally contained money that was given by Monsieur Morrel to Dantes's poor father after Caderousse extorted everything from the man. After his return to Marseilles, Dantes recovers the purse and later fills it with a gem that will pay a debt which Monsieur Morrel now owes. In essence, however, Dantes has repaid his debt to Morrel. When Morrel recognizes the old purse, he is puzzled how the donor has been in its possession.
Some interesting images are evoked by Dantes himself with his reflection from Chapter IV, "The Betrothal Feast":
Joy has that peculiar effect that at times it oppresses us just as much as grief.
When Danglars asks Dantes if he is anticipating trouble, the young man replies,
I cannot help thinking it...
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is not man's lot to attain happiness so easily. Good fortune is like the palaces of the enchanted isles, the gates of which were guarded by dragons. Happiness could only be obtained by overcoming these dragons, and I, I know not how I have deserved the honour of becoming Mercedes's husband.
similes: He [de Villefort] was astonished at her[Mercedes] beauty and dignity, and when she asked him what had become of him whom she loved he felt as though he were theculprit and she his judge....Embarrassed by the straight look she gave him,...he pushed by her...Like the woounded hero of Virgil he carried the arrow in his wound.
What are some symbols used in Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo?
A symbol is defined in the following way:
A symbol is something that represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning.
We are very familiar with the use of symbols. A blinking red light means "stop." The dollar sign is symbolic of money. A dove is symbolic of peace; roses are symbolic of love. Black is symbolic of evil or death. In literature an author will often use a symbol to send the reader a message—one that often supports a theme (a "life truth" the author wishes to share with the reader) in the story.
Often the indication that something is being used as a symbol is its repeateduse. It can be an animal or a color: but it is something that is generally associated with meaning that goes beyond the item itself.
There are several things that may be seen as symbols in Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. They include the ocean, the red purse, the two islands in the story, the potion or "elixir" that the count uses, Abbe Faria, and symbolic references to Christianity.
The ocean or the sea (water) is often symbolic of rebirth; a baptism is a form of rebirth. For instance, when Edmond is thrown into the sea, he is reborn: no longer Edmond Dantès, but soon to be the Count of Monte Cristo. His live has new meaning (though he is driven by rage and a need for revenge). It also is symbolic of the death of his life of imprisonment, isolation and helplessness at Chateau D'If and his new life of freedom, wealth and power.
The red silk purse is used first by old Morrel to try to save Edmond when he is first arrested. It is the same purse that Edmond uses to offer proof that Morrel's debts have been paid off.
"My father!" cried [Julie], out of breath, and half dead with joy -- "saved, you are saved!" And she threw herself into his arms, holding in her extended hand a red, netted silk purse...
Morrel took the purse...a vague remembrance reminded him that it once belonged to himself.
In the purse are all of Morrel's bills, paid, as well as a diamond for Julie's dowry. The purse is symbolic of the true affection and dedication of one friend for another.
Abbe Faria is symbolic of Edmond's struggle to find himself and his purpose. First, Faria teaches Edmond something he never intended:
"I regret having helped you in your investigation and said what I did to you," he remarked.
"Why is that?" Dantès asked.
"Because I have insinuated a feeling into your heart that was not previously there: the desire for revenge."
Abbe Faria teaches Edmond other things, and then tries to make him change his course.
Here is your final lesson—do not commit the crime for which you now serve the sentence. God said, Vengeance is mine.
Edmond says he doesn't believe in God, but Abbe Faria quickly notes:
It doesn't matter. He believes in you.
The elixir is symbolic of Edmond's belief that he can control the world: the elixir seems to give him power of life and death. He is able to make Valentine appear dead; he mistakenly thinks he can bring Edward back to life with it. Edmond will realize that the elixir gives him no real power at all.
Chateau D'If becomes symbolic of undeserved punishment and suffering—it is hell. Ironically, Edmond meets Abbe Faria there who will give Edmond a way to escape and the wealth to start over. The island of Monte Cristo (the mount of Christ) is symbolic of new beginnings. Edmond is resurrected as the Count of Monte Cristo.
What symbols are in The Count of Monte Cristo, and what do they represent?
This story uses two symbols that are common in literature. One is water or the sea. In literature, water is often symbolic of a cleansing or rebirth. By entering the sea after prison, Dantes is reborn with a symbolic baptism. He is ready to start his life anew.
Another common literary symbol is the elixir. An elixir is a miracle potion that can give a person some Godlike quality, such as eternal youth or in this case the ability to raise the dead or prevent death. Since only God can use these powers, the owner of the elixir often suffers and Dantes is no exception.
This story uses two symbols that are common in literature. One is water or the sea. In literature, water is often symbolic of a cleansing or rebirth. By entering the sea after prison, Dantes is reborn with a symbolic baptism. He is ready to start his life anew.
Another common literary symbol is the elixir. An elixir is a miracle potion that can give a person some Godlike quality, such as eternal youth or in this case the ability to raise the dead or prevent death. Since only God can use these powers, the owner of the elixir often suffers and Dantes is no exception.