The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas | Chapters 1–4

Summary

In the early chapters of *The Count of Monte Cristo*, the story unfolds with Edmond Dantès, a young and capable first mate of the Pharaon, returning to Marseilles. His hopes for promotion are dashed by the jealousy of several individuals, including his rival Fernand and the manipulative Caderousse. As Dantès is falsely accused of being an agent of Napoleon, his life is upended. With a false letter implicating him, he is sent to prison, setting the stage for his eventual revenge. The narrative explores betrayal, envy, and the complex web of relationships that ultimately lead to Dantès' downfall.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pharaon returns to Marseilles on February 24th, 1815, after a three-month voyage, commanded by first mate Edmond Dantès.
• 😀 Dantès takes command after Captain Leclère dies of brain fever and delivers a packet to the Grand Marshal in Elba as per Leclère's last orders.
• 😀 Monsieur Morel, the ship's owner, plans to promote Dantès to captain, despite the enmity of the supercargo, Don Lar, who dislikes Dantès.
• 😀 Dantès rushes to see his ill father, who is being harassed by their neighbor, Caderousse, demanding repayment of a debt.
• 😀 Caderousse pretends to be enthusiastic about Dantès but subtly advises him to hurry and see his fiancée, Mercedes, as if she has other suitors.
• 😀 Caderousse and Danglars plot against Dantès to prevent his promotion to captain or ruin his career entirely.
• 😀 Mercedes, in love with Dantès, repeatedly rejects her cousin Fernand’s proposals, leading to Fernand’s jealousy and frustration.
• 😀 Danglars and Caderousse, while drinking, see Fernand and scheme to make him so angry that he would attack Dantès.
• 😀 Dantès and Mercedes walk by, and Mercedes restrains Fernand’s jealousy with a sharp glance, while Caderousse and Danglars inquire about their wedding plans.
• 😀 Danglars writes an anonymous letter to the Crown prosecutor, accusing Dantès of being an agent of Napoleon Bonaparte, based on a letter Dantès is carrying, which will lead to his arrest.
• 😀 Fernand, after hearing the plan, secretly takes the letter from Danglars and heads towards the town, planning to deliver it and further ruin Dantès.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Pharaon ship in the story?

The Pharaon ship plays a central role in the early chapters of *The Count of Monte Cristo*. It is the ship under the command of Edmond Dantès, who returns to Marseilles after a successful voyage. The ship's return sets off the events that lead to Dantès' betrayal and eventual imprisonment.

How does Edmond Dantès become the first mate of the Pharaon?

Edmond Dantès becomes the first mate of the Pharaon after the captain, Leclère, dies of brain fever. Leclère's last order was for Dantès to stop at Elba and deliver a packet to the Grand Marshal, which shows Dantès' importance and trustworthiness.

Who is Monsieur Morel, and what is his relationship to Dantès?

Monsieur Morel is the owner of the Pharaon ship, and he has a positive relationship with Dantès. He intends to promote Dantès to captain due to his competence, despite the jealousy of others, particularly Don Gler and Cadarousse.

What role does Cadarousse play in the story?

Cadarousse is a character who harbors resentment towards Dantès. He falsely greets Dantès with enthusiasm but secretly despises him. Cadarousse is also involved in plotting against Dantès, as he is one of the people who conspires to ruin Dantès' career.

How does Fernand react to the love between Dantès and Mercedès?

Fernand is deeply jealous of the relationship between Dantès and Mercedès. Despite being rejected multiple times by Mercedès, Fernand's jealousy grows, and he begins to plot against Dantès to ensure he does not achieve success.

What is Don Gler's plan to prevent Dantès from becoming captain?

Don Gler, jealous of Dantès, plans to have him arrested. He anonymously writes a letter denouncing Dantès as an agent of Napoleon Bonaparte, claiming that Dantès is carrying a letter that would implicate him in treason.

What is the significance of the letter Dantès is carrying?

The letter Dantès is carrying is crucial because it serves as the 'evidence' that Don Gler uses to falsely accuse Dantès of being a Bonapartist. The letter, originally given to Dantès by Captain Leclère, becomes the key to his betrayal and imprisonment.

How does Fernand contribute to Dantès' downfall?

Fernand contributes to Dantès' downfall by secretly taking the letter that Don Gler had planned to discard. By doing so, Fernand ensures that Dantès is arrested, which leads to his unjust imprisonment and the beginning of his tragic journey.

What is the emotional state of Mercedès regarding Dantès' situation?

Mercedès is deeply concerned about Dantès' fate. She is in love with him and, despite the various suitors around her, remains loyal to Dantès. Her emotional state is one of confusion and sorrow, especially after Dantès is arrested.

What is the role of the setting, particularly Marseilles, in the story?

Marseilles, the port city, serves as the backdrop for the early events of *The Count of Monte Cristo*. It is where the Pharaon ship docks and where key characters like Dantès, Morel, and the conspirators live. The setting is significant as it establishes the political and social tensions that lead to Dantès' betrayal.