The Count of Monte Cristo

           The Count of Monte Cristo is a novel that incites deep complexity of thought within its audience. It illustrates the layers of human personality, justice and the overall definition of redemption. A classified masterpiece, the novel indicates the vengeful ghost in each of us, waiting for the first opportunity to influence its host into a gratuitous journey towards retribution. Addictive and easy to read, The Count of Monte Cristo is only difficult in its myriad characters. The reader must cut through the superfluous individuals to the ones that are important for complete comprehension of the novel. This introduction of personalities enriches the novel and provides a deeper appreciation for its setting. This enrichment of character turns the novel from a direct story of Edmond Dantes’ path towards redemption, to a study of 18th century society.
            In the beginning of the novel, Edmond is unassuming and simple. His devotion to his father and his fiancé is almost comical in its reverie. Even when he is detained as a Bonapartist, he vacillates in ridiculous fantasies of friendship with those responsible for his arrest. This naivety is soon shattered through his friendship with the wise Abbe Faria, who endows him with knowledge and a more mature perspective of the world. While he is not described as going insane for his imprisonment, the cell soon begins to dangerously alter his mind. By the time Dantes escapes, he is an extreme eccentric who craves revenge. It is arguably this motivation that kept him alive for the duration of his detention, not his friendship with the Abbe Faria, a man who, while instilled so much other useful knowledge into Edmond, failed to inspire him with an appetite for forgiveness. This abrupt contrast illustrates the complexity of human character, and how easily influenced it is by its environment.
            This study of human character reflects the theme of human complexity in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.