Pride In The Count Of Monte Cristo

There is no human being who is immune to even the most drastic flaws and temptations known to mankind. Those who are afflicted can succumb due to their infirmity or use their strength of character and virtue to overcome their own iniquity. In The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the characters, such as Albert, Caderousse, and the Count, display such vice. Some are able to overcome it in the novel, while others meet their demise as a result of their temptations. Albert Morcerf, the dedicated son of Fernand Mondego, is affected by both lust and pride respectively. While at carnival, he displays lust first. He meets a mysterious woman whom he follows away from the crowds when she sends for him. Before this occurs, he and Franz

Follow her. (Dumas 147)
Albert, of course, readily accepts this invitation and in return, is captured by bandits. He also displays lust when discussing his arranged marriage to Eugenie. He says:
It’s a crude way of putting it, perhaps, but it’s still true. It’s too bad she’ll have to become my wife before I get what I want from her...You can always leave a mistress, but with a wife it’s another story! (Dumas 282)
He does not overcome his lust, however, he is able to discard some of his pride in the presence of Edmond Dantes. He challenged Dantes to a duel which could have resulted in the loss of his life, in order to avenge Count Morcerf. However, hearing Mercedes’ explanation, he is able to step away from the duel, an act thought of as extreme cowardice by society, and set aside his pride in order to do what is justified, saying:
...I therefore say to you, count, that you were right to avenge yourself on my father, and I, his son, thank you for not having done more than you did!...the Count of Monte Cristo has accepted my apology. I hope that the world will not consider me a coward for doing what my conscience ordered me to do… (Dumas