1. I wondered about innocent bystanders as collateral damage in the previous chapter… is Barrois such a casualty?

2. Given that he drinks the lemonade too, why doesn’t Noirtier succumb to the poison?

3. As with his promise not to go against his father’s will, Villefort here again shows a capacity to act morally, rushing to Barrois’ aid; could there be redemption for him?

4. Lemonade was referenced in an earlier chapter as a delight of the East, and now it shows up corrupted by the West… is Dumas making any commentary on the relative merits of Asian and European culture or values?

Final sentence of chapter:

“As for his part, Villefort said nothing, but raised his hands to heaven, opened wide his distraught eyes and fell senseless on to a chair.”

previous chapter discussion

Next posts: Saturday, September 9