Edmond Dante's Loyalty In The Count Of Monte Cristo

If kindness were a tangible commodity, few would be able to consider themselves wealthy. However, Edmond Dantes from Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo would most certainly be the possessor of an uncountable fortune. Rich in heart yet poor in pocket, Edmond Dantes’ humility and loyalty are what would amass this phantasmal fortune. From the beginning of Alexandre Dumas’ tale, Edmond Dantes is shown to be a man of utmost humility. Time and time again he is seen to pay respect to all his fellow men, regardless of their feelings towards him. For example, when Morrel is questioning Dantes about the happenings on Elba, Dantes replies to one particular question, stating that “[Napoleon] talked to me” (Dumas 5). While this may seem like a

Even when told otherwise, he is loyal to his superiors regardless of the circumstance. For example, “[Dantes] carried out an order from Captain LeClere. As he was dying he gave me a package to deliver to Marshal Bertrand [on the Isle of Elba]” (3). His following orders proves his loyalty because, at the time, the Isle of Elba was home to Napoleon Bonaparte, exiled emperor of France. The danger of being in league with Napoleon at the time was extremely high, meaning that by carrying out LeClere’s last wish to deliver the package to the island, Dantes was exercising his loyalty to the fullest extent. Later, this act would be used to condemn him of being a bonapartist, showing how his innocent loyalty would end up sealing his fate. Furthermore, while Dantes was in prison, he showed extreme loyalty to his teacher and friend, Abbe Faria. Even after Faria becomes paralyzed due to his illness, Dantes vows to escape together with him, going so far as to claim that he would “swim with [Faria] on [his] shoulders” (63). Unable to abandon a friend, Dantes ultimately stays with Faria until his untimely demise, truly staying loyal to the man until his bitter end. Yet, in contrast to the loyalty exersized in the beginning of the tale, this act actually benefits Dantes greatly, as it affords him a means of escape. As such, it is clear that Dantes’ trait of loyalty serves as a driving force for the story, as the relationships built

From inciting jealously to inviting friendship, Dantes, whether wittingly or otherwise, pushes the plot forward with his actions and character traits. Alexandre Dumas has penned Edmond in such a way that the story hinges on the very character traits that define him. Suppose Dantes were more shrewd, cunning, or coldhearted. If that were the case, Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo would be an entirely different work altogether, seeing as the traits and actions expressed by Dantes in the beginning of the book have had a direct effect on how the book has progressed. Perhaps Dantes would’ve realized Danglars ploy against him and made countermeasures. Perhaps Dantes may’ve turned the tables and instead have Danglars arrested for being a bonapartist. Perhaps Dantes would’ve been so disillusioned and disliked that no one bothered to be jealous of him in the first place. As readers, it is imperative that the mistakes and accomplishments of Dantes serve as a template, for while he may seem the paragon of the human spirit, his downfalls serve as a reminder that even perfection has its