The Elements in the Romantic Novel the Count of Monte Cristo

The first Romantic novels were written in French, which is a Latin-based "romance" language. In the Romantic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, the main protagonist, Edmond Dantés is accused of being a spy for Napoleon Bonaparte and is later arrested. He soon understands that it was his so-called "friends" who caused him to be thrown into prison. As the novel progresses, Dantés composes four different alter egos: Sinbad the Sailor, Lord Wilmore, Abbé Busoni, and the Count of Monte Cristo. These alter egos play a role in achieving revenge from the three people who caused him so much grief when he felt like he was the happiest man alive. The Count of Monte Cristo is a Romantic novel because it contains specific plot, characters, style, setting, and theme.

Plot is the arrangement of ideas or incidents that make up a story. The Count of Monte Cristo has a very contrived plot, which means things tend to work out magically well for the protagonist. For example, Edmond Dantés was able to meet Abbe Faria in prison after the two of them dug a passage between their cells. Abbe Faria also turned out to be an incredibly intelligent man. "When you've learned mathematics, physics, history, and the three or four living languages I speak, you'll know everything I do." (Dumas 49) Dantés was able to acquire most of Abbe Faria's knowledge during their time in prison together. Another example of a very contrived plot is when Albert de Morcerf is kidnapped by the famous Italian bandit, Luigi Vampa. As Franz d'Epinay is gathering money for Albert's ransom, he discovers that he does not have enough money left so he goes to the Count of Monte Cristo for help. As the Count of Monte Cristo reads the letter from Luigi Vampa and Albert de Morcerf about the ransom, he discovers that the kidnapper is someone he has a past with. When the two arrive at Luigi Vampa's bandit camp, the Count of Monte Cristo asks Vampa, "Wasn't it agreed that you would respect not only me but all my friends as well?" (Dumas 130) After the Count of Monte Cristo explains to Luigi Vampa that Albert de Morcerf is one of his friends, Albert is free to go without being hurt or having to pay any ransom. This affects the plot later on in the story because Albert de Morcerf turns out to be the son of Fernand Mondego, one of the men that the Count of Monte Cristo will be taking revenge from.

The Count of Monte Cristo also has an intricate plot, where characters weave in and out of the story. An example of this is when Eugénie runs away with Louise after almost signing a marriage contract with Andrea Calvacanti who is also Benedetto, an escaped convict. After Louise asks Eugénie what they are going to do, Eugénie exclaims, "Why, the same thing we planned to do: leave." (Dumas 341) Eugénie and Louise pack their things and begin their trip Belgium. As the story continues, the two girls