An English Teacher Reads The Count of Monte Cristo - Chapter XXXI (31) - Bantam Abridged

Summary

In this intriguing chapter of Alexandre Dumas' *The Count of Monte Cristo*, the Count orchestrates a complex meeting between a supposed father, Major Bartolomeu Cavalcanti, and his son, Andrea. Both are led to believe they are being reunited by fate, but the truth is more sinister. The Count manipulates them into playing parts for his own purposes, ensuring their fortunes, and weaving a web of deception. As the two men revel in their newfound wealth and identity, the Count observes their performances, marking them as scoundrels despite their success in fooling each other.

Takeaways

• 😀 The count is expecting a visit from an Italian major, Bartolomeu Cavalcanti, and makes preparations for his arrival.
• 😀 The major arrives at the count's residence and is introduced to him with a warm welcome, confirming his identity as a nobleman from Luca.
• 😀 The major is surprised to learn that he is owed 48,000 francs by the count, but agrees to the arrangement without much hesitation.
• 😀 The count reveals that the major's son, Andrea, is also in Paris and will soon meet him after many years of separation.
• 😀 The count arranges for Andrea to meet his father in an elaborate setup, promising both men wealth and a prestigious future.
• 😀 Andrea, upon meeting the major, is quick to engage in a conversation about their shared wealth and their upcoming partnership.
• 😀 The major is instructed to stop wearing his old-fashioned Italian coat and to take on a more presentable Parisian appearance for social occasions.
• 😀 The count gives Andrea a significant allowance of 50,000 francs annually, ensuring his financial comfort while staying in Paris.
• 😀 Andrea and the major discuss a mysterious letter from a man named Abbe Busoni, which directs them to the count for help in finding Andrea's father.
• 😀 The two men share a similar letter, which details their shared goal of financial gain, including a lump sum payment and an annual allowance.
• 😀 The count orchestrates a scene where the two men—Andrea and the major—embrace and affirm their newly forged family connection, despite their deceitful relationship.

Q & A

Who is Major Bartolomeu Cavalcanti, and what is his mission in Paris?

Major Bartolomeu Cavalcanti is an old soldier and nobleman who has come to Paris with the goal of finding his lost son, Andrea, whom he believes was taken from him during his youth.

What role does the Count of Monte Cristo play in Major Cavalcanti's search for his son?

The Count of Monte Cristo offers to help Major Cavalcanti find his son, Andrea, after receiving a letter from the Abbe Busoni, which describes the major's situation and his request for assistance.

How does Major Cavalcanti react when Monte Cristo reads the letter from the Abbe Busoni?

Major Cavalcanti is initially nervous and anxious but reassured when the Count confirms the letter's authenticity, including the details about the major's noble lineage and his search for his son.

What does the Count do to confirm the identity of Major Cavalcanti?

The Count reads aloud the details of the letter, including the major’s noble background and the search for his son, which reassures the major. The Count also asks the major for documents but later reveals that he already has the documents, much to the major’s relief.

How does the Count manipulate the situation with Major Cavalcanti and Andrea?

The Count orchestrates a meeting between the major and Andrea, whom he has already chosen to play the role of the missing son. He also provides the major with financial support, testing both men’s integrity as they are revealed to be impostors seeking to deceive him.

What is the relationship between Andrea and Major Cavalcanti?

Andrea and Major Cavalcanti are not actually father and son. They are both part of a scheme to exploit the Count’s wealth and status. Andrea is an impostor pretending to be the major’s son in exchange for financial gain.

How does Andrea respond when he is told that Major Cavalcanti is his father?

Andrea initially pretends to be excited and moved by the news, but his response quickly reveals his true intentions, as he is more interested in the financial benefits of the situation rather than any genuine familial connection.

What financial arrangements are made for Andrea and Major Cavalcanti?

Andrea is promised an allowance of 50,000 francs per year from the major’s supposed fortune. The Count also gives the major and Andrea 8,000 francs and an additional sum to ensure their compliance with the Count’s manipulation.

How does Andrea react when he receives documents from Major Cavalcanti?

Andrea eagerly takes the documents and examines them with practiced confidence, revealing that he is not truly the son of the major but is instead playing his part in the deception for financial gain.

What is the ultimate revelation about Major Cavalcanti and Andrea's identities?

Both Major Cavalcanti and Andrea are impostors. They are not the father and son they claim to be, and their main goal is to deceive the Count of Monte Cristo for wealth. The Count realizes their deceit and watches them leave together, understanding they are scoundrels.