An English Teacher Reads The Count of Monte Cristo - XXXVI - XXXVIII (36-38) - Bantam Abridged

Summary

In this section of *The Count of Monte Cristo*, Baron Danglars grapples with financial losses and a series of personal intrigues. He discusses business setbacks, including a significant financial loss due to a failed investment, and his suspicions regarding an Italian nobleman, Cavalcanti. As he contemplates the future of his daughter's engagement to Albert de Morcerf, Danglars uncovers unsettling connections to the mysterious past of Fernand Mondego. Themes of wealth, power, scandal, and revenge interweave as Danglars’ scheming continues, while secrets of the past begin to surface.

Takeaways

• 😀 Danglars is facing significant financial losses due to unexpected bankruptcies and investments gone wrong, amounting to 700,000 francs.
• 😀 Madame Danglars is overwhelmed by the events unfolding, leading her to question her reality, thinking that everything is a bad dream.
• 😀 Danglars shows no empathy for his wife, walking out of the room without acknowledging her emotional distress.
• 😀 The Baron Danglars is deeply troubled by the ongoing misfortunes in his business dealings, particularly with Jacopo Manfredi's sudden suspension of payments.
• 😀 Danglars seeks Monte Cristo's advice on how to handle the Cavalcanti family, particularly Andrea, who seems to be a promising business prospect.
• 😀 Monte Cristo trusts the Cavalcanti family, especially their wealth, but cautions Danglars against overextending his financial support for Andrea.
• 😀 Danglars expresses dissatisfaction with his daughter's engagement to Albert de Morcerf, preferring a more advantageous match to increase his fortune.
• 😀 Danglars reveals a deep disdain for the Morcerf family, particularly Albert’s father, Fernand Mondego, citing his humble beginnings and controversial past.
• 😀 Danglars reveals his knowledge of Fernand Mondego's possible involvement in the Ali Pasha affair, suggesting there might be a scandalous past.
• 😀 Monte Cristo advises Danglars to investigate the past of Fernand Mondego through his correspondents in Greece, possibly uncovering hidden secrets.

Q & A

What is Baron Danglars' primary concern in the script?

Baron Danglars is mainly concerned about his financial losses, including a significant sum of 700,000 francs due to bad investments. He is also frustrated with the business misfortunes he has been encountering and is trying to deal with them by making strategic moves, including discussing potential marriages and alliances.

Why does Baron Danglars want Madame Danglars to take responsibility for part of the loss?

Danglars wants Madame Danglars to bear part of the financial loss because he believes that if they continue to share the burden, they can continue their lives without major disruptions. He mentions that if she does not take responsibility, the only other option is for him to go bankrupt.

How does Baron Danglars perceive his financial troubles?

Baron Danglars sees his financial troubles as a chain of unfortunate events, including a bankruptcy, which he blames on external factors. He is desperate to find a solution, such as making changes in his business dealings and relationships, including potential marriages.

What is the significance of the character Cavalcanti in the script?

Cavalcanti is a key figure in the conversation about financial dealings. He is presented as an Italian millionaire who is interested in investing his fortune in France or England. Danglars sees him as a potential partner, but he is also skeptical and considering possible marriage alliances for his daughter with the Cavalcanti family.

How does the Count of Monte Cristo view the character of Cavalcanti?

The Count of Monte Cristo views Cavalcanti as a trustworthy and wealthy individual. He expresses confidence in Cavalcanti's fortune and believes that his son will likely marry well, making him a suitable match for business dealings or alliances.

What underlying theme is suggested by the discussion about marriage and family names?

The discussion about marriage and family names highlights the importance of social status and the blending of wealth and titles. Danglars emphasizes his own name, Danglars, over the name of de Morcerf, suggesting that he values his real name more than titles or noble connections, which reflects his ambition to maintain control over his own destiny.

What role does the mystery surrounding Fernand Mondego play in the script?

The mystery of Fernand Mondego, who later becomes Count de Morcerf, is central to the intrigue in the script. Danglars remembers hearing the name in connection with the Ali Pasha affair and is eager to uncover any potentially scandalous information that might damage Mondego's reputation. This mystery adds suspense and further develops the theme of hidden pasts and the pursuit of vengeance.

Why does Danglars seem to have conflicting feelings about the marriage between his daughter and Albert de Morcerf?

Danglars has conflicting feelings because while the marriage between his daughter and Albert de Morcerf might offer social advancement, he dislikes the idea of joining families with the Morcerf name. He sees the Morcerfs as lower in status compared to his own family and values his own name more than the honor of being associated with a noble title.

What does the Count of Monte Cristo mean by 'A worried capitalist is like a comet'?

The Count of Monte Cristo uses this metaphor to suggest that a worried capitalist, like Danglars, is a sign of impending disaster. The comet symbolizes a rare and ominous event that often precedes trouble, in this case, implying that Danglars' worries might signal broader financial or social turmoil.

How does the script explore the concept of trust in business and relationships?

The script explores trust in business and relationships through characters like Danglars, who are willing to invest significant amounts of money but are also wary of trusting others fully. The Count of Monte Cristo's confident handling of his business affairs contrasts with Danglars' more cautious, self-serving approach, suggesting the complexities of trust in both personal and financial matters.