Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: Dantes, now with tremendous wealth, takes on 3 alter egos to successfully carry out his mission; First, an Abbe Bussoni, Second, a representative of the investment firm Thomas and French, and Third as "Sinbad the Sailor". "Bussoni" visits Caderousse, the third man that was involved in the plot against Dantes, under the guise of carrying out Dantes' final wishes. He learns about what became of Danglers, Fernand, and Mercedes, and Caderousse reveals that they hd schemed agianst him, solidifying what Faria had said.
Reflection: I'm going to continue this on another log
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Oct. 30: The Count of Monte Cristo
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: He manages to cut himself free and makes his way for an island, from which he gains passage on a smuggler ship. He befriends the crew and bides his time for his chance to visit the island of Monte Cristo, the location of the treasure. When the ship lands there, he feigns injury and tells them to return in a week. He finds the treasure due to his incredible ingenuity and it is even grander than he had imagined; he fills his pockets and after being picked up by the smugglers and reaching a port, purchases one ship and crew for a friend (Jacapo), on the condition that he sail to Marseilles and get news of Louis Dantes (his father) and Mercedes and return to Monte Cristo, and a yacht for himself with a secret compartment which he fills with treasure after returning to the island. When Jacapo meets him there, he informs Dantes that Louis Dantes is dead and Mercedes has disappeared. Dantes barely contains his emotion and sails for Marseilles.
Reflection: His imprisonment is portrayed as death by Dumas, whereas his escape is portrayed as a rebirth or resurrection. And the topic of hope is touched when Dantes contemplates the treasure's reality and how the hope for it was keeping him going.
Pages: 70
Summary: He manages to cut himself free and makes his way for an island, from which he gains passage on a smuggler ship. He befriends the crew and bides his time for his chance to visit the island of Monte Cristo, the location of the treasure. When the ship lands there, he feigns injury and tells them to return in a week. He finds the treasure due to his incredible ingenuity and it is even grander than he had imagined; he fills his pockets and after being picked up by the smugglers and reaching a port, purchases one ship and crew for a friend (Jacapo), on the condition that he sail to Marseilles and get news of Louis Dantes (his father) and Mercedes and return to Monte Cristo, and a yacht for himself with a secret compartment which he fills with treasure after returning to the island. When Jacapo meets him there, he informs Dantes that Louis Dantes is dead and Mercedes has disappeared. Dantes barely contains his emotion and sails for Marseilles.
Reflection: His imprisonment is portrayed as death by Dumas, whereas his escape is portrayed as a rebirth or resurrection. And the topic of hope is touched when Dantes contemplates the treasure's reality and how the hope for it was keeping him going.
Oct. 28: The Count of Monte Cristo
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: The following day, Faria begins talking about a "hidden treasure", and Dantes begins to question his sanity; however, Faria won Edmond over by recounting a the tale behind the treasure: The treasure once belonged to the Spada family, the wealthiest family in Italy. In the fifteenth century, Caesar Spada hid the treasure on the uninhabited island of Monte Cristo, hoping to keep it out of the hands of a murderous, thieving pope. Due to a mishap, however, the location of the treasure remained a secret even from the family. While he was in the employ of the Spada family, he stumbled upon a map of sorts with ink revealed by smoke. Faria explains that Spada left all he had to him, so the treasure actually belongs to him. adding that it also belongs to Dantès, who has become his "son" over the course of the past two years and Faria shows Dantès the piece of paper that reveals the treasure’s location and he insists Dantes comit it to memory. The next night, Faria dies and Dantes is in agony, but he is hit with an amazing idea: He will hide Faria's body in the tunnel and he will sew himself into the shroud meant for the abbe; when the guards take out the bag, they will be taking out Dantes. He brings a makeshift shovel/knife to dig himself out when they bury him, however they don't bury prisoners; they tie a cannon ball to their legs and hurl them off the cliff into the water.
Reflection: What is so amazing is that Dantes didn't befriend Faria for the treasures location. They were true friends. That is why he revealed the treasure's location to Dantes.
Pages: 70
Summary: The following day, Faria begins talking about a "hidden treasure", and Dantes begins to question his sanity; however, Faria won Edmond over by recounting a the tale behind the treasure: The treasure once belonged to the Spada family, the wealthiest family in Italy. In the fifteenth century, Caesar Spada hid the treasure on the uninhabited island of Monte Cristo, hoping to keep it out of the hands of a murderous, thieving pope. Due to a mishap, however, the location of the treasure remained a secret even from the family. While he was in the employ of the Spada family, he stumbled upon a map of sorts with ink revealed by smoke. Faria explains that Spada left all he had to him, so the treasure actually belongs to him. adding that it also belongs to Dantès, who has become his "son" over the course of the past two years and Faria shows Dantès the piece of paper that reveals the treasure’s location and he insists Dantes comit it to memory. The next night, Faria dies and Dantes is in agony, but he is hit with an amazing idea: He will hide Faria's body in the tunnel and he will sew himself into the shroud meant for the abbe; when the guards take out the bag, they will be taking out Dantes. He brings a makeshift shovel/knife to dig himself out when they bury him, however they don't bury prisoners; they tie a cannon ball to their legs and hurl them off the cliff into the water.
Reflection: What is so amazing is that Dantes didn't befriend Faria for the treasures location. They were true friends. That is why he revealed the treasure's location to Dantes.
Oct. 26: The Count of Monte Cristo
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: Dantes in prison first turned to god, then to wrath at his misfortune, and then decides to kill himself using starvation, but before he dies, he hears a scratching on the other side of his wall. He breaks a dish and uses the chip to scrape away and meet the scraper halfway. Soon, the man breaks through; his name is Abbe Faria and Dantes is amazingly glad to have company, but Faria less so thinking he was going to be free at the end of the tunnel he was digging. Faria turns out to be a genius, having among other things, fashioned paper, writing utensils, and dug a 50 foot tunnel with handmade tools. The men began talking and after hearing Dantes' life story, he discerns that Fernand and Danglers were behind his being held in the prison and he also knew of the relationshp between Noirtier and Villefort seeing as the Abbe and Noirtier were acquainted in the past. Upon hearing these things, Dantes, who never pondered them before, now set his heart on escape and ultimately revenge. Since they had so much time, the abbe taught Dantes nearly everything that there was to be taught, and Dantes learned very well, his memory still fresh. Faria comes up with another plan, but before they can leave, the abbe has a fit and is paralyzed on half of his body and he can't escape.
Reflection: The relationship of the two men is an amazing one. They were both satisfied by their positions, that of teacher and student, but also as friends. Alone, they were both above average people, but together they were something much better. Also, Faria’s deduction about the truth behind Dantes’s downfall is the first major turning point in Dantes’s development, as it is in this moment that Dantes begins his transformation from a happy, innocent, and loving man into a vengeful and miserable one. That Dantes is unable to fathom his enemies’ treachery himself indicates the extent of his initial innocence.
Pages: 70
Summary: Dantes in prison first turned to god, then to wrath at his misfortune, and then decides to kill himself using starvation, but before he dies, he hears a scratching on the other side of his wall. He breaks a dish and uses the chip to scrape away and meet the scraper halfway. Soon, the man breaks through; his name is Abbe Faria and Dantes is amazingly glad to have company, but Faria less so thinking he was going to be free at the end of the tunnel he was digging. Faria turns out to be a genius, having among other things, fashioned paper, writing utensils, and dug a 50 foot tunnel with handmade tools. The men began talking and after hearing Dantes' life story, he discerns that Fernand and Danglers were behind his being held in the prison and he also knew of the relationshp between Noirtier and Villefort seeing as the Abbe and Noirtier were acquainted in the past. Upon hearing these things, Dantes, who never pondered them before, now set his heart on escape and ultimately revenge. Since they had so much time, the abbe taught Dantes nearly everything that there was to be taught, and Dantes learned very well, his memory still fresh. Faria comes up with another plan, but before they can leave, the abbe has a fit and is paralyzed on half of his body and he can't escape.
Reflection: The relationship of the two men is an amazing one. They were both satisfied by their positions, that of teacher and student, but also as friends. Alone, they were both above average people, but together they were something much better. Also, Faria’s deduction about the truth behind Dantes’s downfall is the first major turning point in Dantes’s development, as it is in this moment that Dantes begins his transformation from a happy, innocent, and loving man into a vengeful and miserable one. That Dantes is unable to fathom his enemies’ treachery himself indicates the extent of his initial innocence.
Oct. 23: The Count of Monte Cristo
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: Dantes, taken to the prison island of Chateau D'if, is innocent and confused; he is a very simple-minded person and doesn't even have a thought in his mind about being betrayed. Villefort, after seeing Mercedes, feels agonizing regret for the life he had ruined, but he still had a desire to help his father and keep his own name clean, so he told his father that a man of his description was suspected as being a conspirator with Napoleon, so he shaves his beard, changing his appearance. Having read the letter Napoleon wrote to his father, he was aware of a plan for a return of the Bonaparte era, so he rushed to King Louis XVIII and warned him. Even though Napoleon did return to power, Villefort gained great respect since he was the only person to warn the King. With Bonaparte back in power, Bonapartism is no longer illegal, and therefore Dantes wouldn't be guilty even if his "crimes" were legitimate; so his former captain, Monsieur Morrel, begins his work on his release by going to Villefort multiple times. Since Danglars is unaware that Villefort has any personal reasons to keep Dantes imprisoned, he assumes he will soon be free and moves to Madrid to avoid being damaged by any acts of vengeance.
Reflection: I already wrote enough i think
Pages: 70
Summary: Dantes, taken to the prison island of Chateau D'if, is innocent and confused; he is a very simple-minded person and doesn't even have a thought in his mind about being betrayed. Villefort, after seeing Mercedes, feels agonizing regret for the life he had ruined, but he still had a desire to help his father and keep his own name clean, so he told his father that a man of his description was suspected as being a conspirator with Napoleon, so he shaves his beard, changing his appearance. Having read the letter Napoleon wrote to his father, he was aware of a plan for a return of the Bonaparte era, so he rushed to King Louis XVIII and warned him. Even though Napoleon did return to power, Villefort gained great respect since he was the only person to warn the King. With Bonaparte back in power, Bonapartism is no longer illegal, and therefore Dantes wouldn't be guilty even if his "crimes" were legitimate; so his former captain, Monsieur Morrel, begins his work on his release by going to Villefort multiple times. Since Danglars is unaware that Villefort has any personal reasons to keep Dantes imprisoned, he assumes he will soon be free and moves to Madrid to avoid being damaged by any acts of vengeance.
Reflection: I already wrote enough i think
Oct. 21: The Count of Monte Cristo
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: The plot to cause Dantes demise couldn't go as far as to kill him (Mercedes said she would commit suicide if Dantes were to die) so Fernand convinced them to have him imprisoned instead. A letter was drafted by Danglars informing the public prosecutor that Dantès is bearing a letter from Napoleon to the Bonapartist Committee in Paris. After having mailed the letter, and during Edmond and Mercedes betrothal feast, guards come a seize Dantes, who is unaware of anything wrong he has done. However, Dantes seems to have gotten a lucky break when a man named Villefort enters the picture. Dantes, being his open and normal self, proceeds to nearly win Villefort over, but Dantes mentions the name of the recipient the letter he was given is addressed to. The man, named Noirtier, happens to be Villefort's father, and to spare himself any embarrassment of having his father exposed as a supporter of Napoleon, he to joins the scheme to cause Dantes' demise
Reflection: The frequent examples of indecencies and the saving of face are a testament to the imperfections inherent in having man rule over man. The power to silence and rid ones life goes along with having responsibility in society. And man will misuse it as long as long as such power is in his control.
Pages: 70
Summary: The plot to cause Dantes demise couldn't go as far as to kill him (Mercedes said she would commit suicide if Dantes were to die) so Fernand convinced them to have him imprisoned instead. A letter was drafted by Danglars informing the public prosecutor that Dantès is bearing a letter from Napoleon to the Bonapartist Committee in Paris. After having mailed the letter, and during Edmond and Mercedes betrothal feast, guards come a seize Dantes, who is unaware of anything wrong he has done. However, Dantes seems to have gotten a lucky break when a man named Villefort enters the picture. Dantes, being his open and normal self, proceeds to nearly win Villefort over, but Dantes mentions the name of the recipient the letter he was given is addressed to. The man, named Noirtier, happens to be Villefort's father, and to spare himself any embarrassment of having his father exposed as a supporter of Napoleon, he to joins the scheme to cause Dantes' demise
Reflection: The frequent examples of indecencies and the saving of face are a testament to the imperfections inherent in having man rule over man. The power to silence and rid ones life goes along with having responsibility in society. And man will misuse it as long as long as such power is in his control.
Oct. 19: The Count of Monte Cristo
Okay, i read this book on days other than the 3 times a week we need to blog so i'll just average it out.
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: Edmond Dantes is a sailor and a good leader, devoted to his fiancee and father (who is aging), and is able to overlook his dislike of Danglars, Caderousse, and Fernand and treats them with civility. He's loyal to his loved ones and sees the best in everyone. Danglars (who was watching his father before he left on a voyage), Caderousse (his rival for the job of captaining his ship), and Fernand (his rival for his fiancee's attention) have convinced themselves that, despite his kind acts, that he is arrogant, and, Fernand feels he is the only obstacle between him and Mercedes (Dantes' fiancee). The three decide to engineer his demise.
Reflection: Alexander Dumas wrote in many things to contrast Dantes from his three "enemies". Dantes is talked about as being liked by all those under him on his ship. Despite his obvious kindness, the three decide in their minds he is horrible.
Minutes: 45
Pages: 70
Summary: Edmond Dantes is a sailor and a good leader, devoted to his fiancee and father (who is aging), and is able to overlook his dislike of Danglars, Caderousse, and Fernand and treats them with civility. He's loyal to his loved ones and sees the best in everyone. Danglars (who was watching his father before he left on a voyage), Caderousse (his rival for the job of captaining his ship), and Fernand (his rival for his fiancee's attention) have convinced themselves that, despite his kind acts, that he is arrogant, and, Fernand feels he is the only obstacle between him and Mercedes (Dantes' fiancee). The three decide to engineer his demise.
Reflection: Alexander Dumas wrote in many things to contrast Dantes from his three "enemies". Dantes is talked about as being liked by all those under him on his ship. Despite his obvious kindness, the three decide in their minds he is horrible.
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