1. In comparing himself to Nero—“a desirer of impossible things”—the count seems to be speaking about the two fish from distant waters; is he (perhaps subconsciously) speaking about something else?

2. The dinner scene reminds me of Clue (the guests’ fascination with the eerie aspects of the house reminds me of Northanger Abbey)… do you think that Dumas is intentionally making us feel like the count’s guests (each privy to his or her own secrets but none knowing the the count’s true intentions)?

3. What do you think would terrify Villefort and Madame Danglars more—the body being discovered or the body not being discovered?

Final sentence of chapter:

“‘I’m quite better.’”

previous chapter discussion