1) A highly deterministic view of the universe in TCoMC would make it worth wondering whether Morrel’s financial difficulties are a direct result of not having the demonstrably skilled navigator Dantès to captain his ships. Along these lines, would Dantès be justified in seeking revenge not just for himself but for Morrel—and his daughter’s ruined chance of marrying well?

2) After he truthfully recounts the events leading up to Dantès’ imprisonment, admitting his own regrettable conduct therein, Caderousse is rewarded with the entire diamond; does this gift from someone pretending to be a religious figure count as absolution (and should we then forgive Caderousse)?

3) What do Dantès’ and Fernand’s chosen pseudonyms—Wilmore and Morcerf—suggest about how we should view them?

Final sentence of chapter:

”’Fifty thousand francs!’ murmured La Carconte, when she was alone. ‘ that is a lot of money… but it is not a fortune.’”

previous chapter discussion