Themes
Love
Love is exemplified throughout the entire novel-
we first see it in Dantes' love for Mercedes and his father, and it carries on to the Morrels and Haydee. We also see the romance between Maximillian Morrell and Valentine, as well as the one-sided relationship between Fernand and Mercedes. There are also more throughout the novel.
Dantes uses this term to personify his god-like nature and his "fate controlling" vibe.
"Angel of Providence" - He enacts what he believes to be "God's Will" and controls fate.Has an almost supernatural air to him- he doesn't eat very much, seems to be fairly omniscient, and seems to be every where, all of the time.
The Poison
Betrayal
AN exemplified theme throughout the whole entire novel- most notably when Danglars, Fernand, and Villefort betray Dantes, sending him to prison. This lingers throughout the whole novel, and we also see it when Madame de Villefort poisons most of her family, including Valentine. Also we see this when Madame Danglars has numerous affairs on her husband. An example of this happens with Villefort, and they have an illegitimate son that they try to kill (Benedetto).
God's Will
Throughout the novel, Dante's works through dealing with allowing God to have control, while also taking the reigns. Dante's believes that he enacting God's Will in his life by getting revenge.
An example of this is when Caderrouse is fleeing from the Count's house, and says that if God wills it, he will live to get home- spoiler alert- he doesn't!
Red Silk Purse
The purse often brings with it good fortune. Every time it is used, someone's life is saved/support
Ex: Morrels, Father, Mercedes
Vengeace
Throughout the novel, many character attempt to get revenge on each other, The Count (never would have guessed), Bertuccio with Villefort, Danglars for his jealousy after Dantes' promotion, and even more.
Punishment
Many of the characters throughout the novel punish/are punished- Many murdered, have things stolen, get kidnapped, or are wrongfully imprisoned (*cough* *cough*)
Example- Bertuccio trying to kill V for attempting to burry his child.
A prominent theme throughout the story
Power derived from God
Derived from God's Will- was the Will of God with CMC through his actions? It can be seen through the wealth that the Count found through the treasure of a PRIEST- Abbe Faria. Also, the count seems to almost have everything fall into place at the exact right time, using manipulation to take control of others.
God's Will
God's Will is prevalent in the novel. The count goes back and forth between allowing God to do his work, and enacting it himself. The Count believes his work is enacting God's Will, while also attempting to take a step back.
What is moral?
Connection between he and his father
Dantes often shows parallels to his father in a foil and comparison manner. During his time in prison, Dantes i sstarving and considering killing himself, which his father was also starving at the same exact time. Yet in the end, he end sup being wildly wealthy, something his father was never able to achieve.
Identity
The Count's identity is a heavy question throughout the novel- he goes by various aliases throughout the story, molding from his naive starting point - Dantes - to a colder, more calculated wealthy man- The Count.
the CMC's "Contrapasso"
(for this novel)
The Count molds the punishments to fit the one who is doing to the thing. For example-
Danglars comes off as greedy throughout the story, and ends up losing all of his money.
Fernand- steals love (Mercedes) and ends up losing it (and kills himself)
Villefort- supposed to uphold the justice of the town, yet he himself was an adulterer and committed many crimes throughout his life.
Ocean
The ocean was a metaphor in a way to show that he was "baptized" in the water into his new role as God's Angel. The Ocean also gave him life throughout the story, providing his job at the beginning.