The Count of Monte Cristo

At various points in his story, Edmond Dantès seems to function as a Christ figure. But at other points, he seems more like Satan. How is the novel’s dual representation of Edmond related to Romantic ideals and the Byronic hero?

As you answer this question, consider the following:

• What does “Monte Cristo” mean?
• Where do you see the motif of death and resurrection?
• Where do you see the motif of sacrifice?
• Where do you see imagery, figurative language, diction, or detail used to characterize Edmond as dark or demonic?
• How does the allusion to The Vampyre fit into the dual representation of Edmond?
• Where do you see Edmond acting like a deity, controlling and arranging humans’ fates?
• Is Edmond a Christ figure who turns into a Satan figure, or does he embody both at the same time?

Teaching Suggestion: Effectively answering this prompt requires students to first determine where Edmond is being characterized as Christ-like and where he is being characterized as Satan-like. Then, they can evaluate the messages conveyed through the interplay of these two characterizations and relate these messages to Romanticism and the Byronic hero. If they struggle to recall key information needed to answer the prompt, you might remind them where to find information on Romanticism, Byronic heroes, and Romanticism’s conception of Satan using the “Short Answer” and “Paired Resources” sections, above.