u/karakickass

I tells ya, it's the truth, it happened to a friend of a friend of mine...

Synopsis:

Albert has some of his friends over as he awaits the arrival of the Count of Monte Cristo. The friends delight in their privilege while Albert builds anticipation for the arrival of his new acquaintance.

The Count arrives perfectly on time. The men get to know each other. The Count, for his part, spends some time illuminating his character, with reference to his servants, foreignness, chemical prowess, wealth and international connections. In exchange, the Count learns that he is in the company of Maximilien Morrel, M. Morrel's son and that Albert also knows Baron Danglars.

Discussion:

1. Compare Albert to the other young men in this scene. Dumas spends a lot of time on their conversation and the setting, what do you think he has tried to show us?
2. The Count is making a big deal about his foreign origin and foreign connections. What purpose is this serving in his grand scheme?
3. The Count was surprised to see Maximilien Morrel and then dropped the name "Thomson and French" to bait a reaction. This must be unplanned. Why do you think he did this?
4. Do you find the yarn the Count is spinning to be believable? Should our young men be more skeptical of this mysterious stranger? And why aren't they?

Next week, chapters 41 and 42!

It might be a good idea to know this Count guy... I guess we can keep him around.

Synopsis:

Franz gets some bad news. Albert has been abducted! The mysterious woman was actually a bandit in disguise! They are demanding a ransom! And the amount is more than Franz can pay!

Thinking quickly, he goes to the Count and asks for help. While the Count could easily pay it, he instead chooses to confront Luigi Vampa. Together, Franz and MC travel to the catacombs of St. Sebastian and tell Vampa to release Albert. The whole scene has a relaxed air, with MC and Vampa conversing as respected equals. Albert is unharmed and they return to the hotel safely. The Count and Albert shake hands and MC can't help but let a shudder escape at his touch.

The next day, MC asks for the favour to be returned by Albert in the form of opening the doors of Parisian high society to him. They agree to meet in 3 months at a precise time. Franz shakes MC's hand and it is cold like a "corpse."

MC takes his leave and Franz expresses worry about their new acquaintance. He finally reveals all of the many things he has witnessed related to MC that might make him seem a shady character. Albert, however, dismisses these concerns and is even more committed to meeting the man again at the appointed time.

Discussion:

1. You have now encountered the famous Luigi Vampa. What is your impression of him?
2. Franz witnesses some interesting details about the Count in these chapters. How is your picture of him evolving?
3. What is your impression of the 2 young men as their Roman escapade concludes?
4. MC has managed to get an invite to Parisian society. How would you rate his plan? Lucky? Or ingenius?

Next week, chapters 39 and 40!

Just a light-hearted escapade, with mysteries and romance, leading to an abrupt and ominous ending.

Synopsis:

The young men finally get to have the fun they had been hoping for. Albert following a mysterious woman in a carriage, Franz meeting again with Countess G----. In the morning Franz witnesses the dramatic end of the carnival with the candles getting extinguished seemingly all at the same time. However, he does this alone, as Albert has gone off on a rendezvous with his mysterious paramour.

Final line(s): The Carnival was over.

Discussion Questions:

1. The tone shifted in this chapter, to one of joy and adventure, but the ending was quite abrupt. What did you feel reading it, and where do you think it's leading?
2. The Count seems to have plans on top of plans, where do you think he disappeared to? Do you think he had any fun at all?
3. The wearing of masks is both thematically interesting and useful for intrigue. What do you think about how the young men conducted themselves in their masks?

Next week, chapters 37 and 38!